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PARADISE LOST 




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TWELVE BOOKS, 



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JOHN MILTON* 



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»IOGRAPHICA^ AND CRITlCAIr ACCOrifT. 



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AUTHOR ANP HIS WRITING^/ 






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JOHN MILTON. 



FROM a family and town of his name in Oxford- 
ihire our Author derived his defcent ; but he was 
born at Londoji in the year 1608. The publifher^ 
of his works in profe (on whofe veracity fome part of 
this narrative muft entirely depend) dates his birth 
two years earlier than this : but contradidling himfelf 
afterwards in his own compatation, I reduce it to the 
time that Monfieur Bayle hath ailigned ; and for the 
fame reafon which prevailed with him to aflign it. His 
father John Milton, by profeflion a fcrivener, lived ia 
a reputable manner on a competent eftate, entirely hi^ 
own acquijQtiony having been earl/ difinherited by his 
parents for renouncing the communion of the church 
of Rome, to which they were zealoufly devoted. By 
his wife Sarah Cafton he had likewife one daughter, 
named Anna, and another fon, Chriftopher, whom 
he trained' to the practice of the common l^w, \7ho 
in the great rebellion adhered to the royal caufe ^ and 
in the reign of King James II. by too eafy a compli- 
ance with the do(flrines of the court, both religious 
and civil, he attained* to the dignity of being made a 
judge of the common pleas ; ofwhich he died d^vefted 
not long after the Revolution. 

But John, the fubjeft of tlie prefent £{Iay« v^as 0\«, 
favourite of hi;» father's hopes, who, ^o c^\i^^\!^ >dcA 

f Mr. ToLAiiD, 

A a 



iv THELIFEOF 

great genius which early difpjayed itfelf, was at the 
cxpcace of a domeftic tutor ; whofe care and capacity 

his pupil hatli gratefully celebrated in 
jtn, atat. it. an excellent Latin elegy*. At his t* 

nitiation he is faid to have applied him- 
felf to letters with fueh indefatigable indufiry, that he 
tarely was prevailed with to quit his ftudies before 
xtiidnight ; which not only made him frequently fub- 
jed to fevere pains in his head, but likewife occafioned 
that weaknefs in his eyes, which terminated in a total 
privation of fight. From a domeflic edi^cation he was 
removed to St. Paul's fchool, to complete his acquaint- 
ance with the claflics under the care Of Or. QiU ; and 

after a Ihort ftay there, was tranfplanf* 
jIn. ataU 15. ed to Chrift's College in Cambridge, 

where he diftinguiffaed hirofelf in all 

kinds of academical exercii^s. Of this fbciety he 

continued a member till he commeticed toiSitx of arts ; 

' ^ and thcn^ leaving the univcrfity, he re- 

An. atat, 23. turned to his &ther, who had quitted 

the town, and lived at Hornton in Buc- 
klnghamfhire, where he pUrfued his ftudics with un- 
paralleled aflidttity and fuccefs. '• 

After fome months fpent in this ftudious retirement 
his mother died, and then he prevailed with his father 
to gratify an inclination he had long entertafned of 

• •*- • feeing' foreigrf countries. •• Sir Henry 
An. ^taU 30. Wotton, at dlat time provoft of Eaton 

fcollege, gave him 'a letter of advice for 
the diredion of his travels ; but not obferving an ex- 
cellent maxim irt itf, he incurred great danger, by 
difpucing againft the fuperftilion of the church of 
Rome, wilhiit the verge of the Vatican, ■• Having em- 
ployed his cnriofity about two yearsj in France and 

* See the fburth in his coUedioft of poems, 
f I penJieH ftreitif eiil vijo fchlto, 

\ Eijam bii viridifurgehat c-^mm artfla, 
£t totitlem ftavaS numerabant borrea nuffes — ^ . 
iV« dum ader/a Thryfis ; paftornnfcilicet ilium 
/^xJcis amor Mufd Th&fca rUmbit U wbt. 



JOHN MILTON. t 

ttalji on the news of a civil war breaking out in Eng- 
land, he returned without taking a furvey of Greece 
and Sicily, as at his fctting out th^ fcheme was pro- 
jcdled. At Paris * the Lord Vifcount Scudamore, am* 
baifador from King Chat^es L at the court of France, 
introduced him to the acquaintance of Grotius, who 
at that time was honoured with t}ie fame chara^er there 
by Chriftina, queen of Sweden. In Rome, Genoa, 
Florence, and other cities of Italy, he co^tra^ed a fa- 
miliarity with thofe who were of highed reputation for 
wit and learning, fcveral of whom gave him very o- 
bilging teftimfiinies of their friendihip and eflecm, which 
are printed before his Latin poems. The firllof them 
was written by Manfb, marquis of Villa, a great pa- 
tron of Taffo, by whom he is celebrated in his poem 
on the conqueft of Jerufkiemf. It is highly probable 
that to his converfation with this noble Neopolitaa we 
o.we the fird defign which Milton conceived* of writ- 
ing an epic poem ; and it appears by fome Latin verfes 
addreffed to the Marquis, with the title o£Mart/uj, that 
he intended to fix, on- King Arthur for his hero j but 
'Arthur was referred for another dcftiny. 

Returning from his travels he found 
England on the point of being involved y//?. getat. 3 j , 
in blood and confufion. 1 1 feems won- 
derful, that one of fb warm and daring a fpirit, as his 
certainly was, fhould be re(lrained from the camp in 
thofe unnatural commotions. I fuppofc we may im- 
]pute it wholly to the great deference he paid to pater- 
nal authority, tliat he retired to lodgings provided for 
him in the city ;' which being conunodious for the re- 
ception of his iiftePs fons, and fome other young gen- 
tlemen, he undertook their education, and is fsLid to 
have formed them on the fame plan which he after- 
wards publifhed, in a fhort tradlate, infcribed to his 
friend Mr. Hartlib. '• 

In this philofophical courfe he continued without a 

• Jk/etiftofecmda, Page 96. /o/. 
f Fra Cavalier, magnatitmi^ c cortfji^ 



hs mai 

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re '.-^ ' • ■:" rr?*: wit ar 

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J O H N M I L T O N. vm 

>n the date. * It is in vain to difTeinble, and fat be it 
from me to defend his engaging with a party com- 
bined in the deftruftion of our church and monarchy. 
Yet, leaving the juftification of a mifguided fincerity 
to be debated in the fchools, may I prefume to ohferve 
in his favour, that his zeal, diftempered and furions 
as it was, does not appear to have been infpirited by 
felf-interefted views. For it is affirmed, that though 
he lived always in a frugal retirement, and before his 
death had difpo&d of his library (which we may fup- 
pofe to have been a valuable coUe^ion), he left not 
more than fifteen hundred pounds behind him for the 
fupport of his family ; and whoever confiders the pofts 
to which he was advanced, and the times in which he 
enjoyed them, will, -I believe, confcfs he might have 
accumulated a much more plentiful fortune. In a 
. difpaflionate mind it will npt require any extraordi- 
nary meafure of candour to conclude, that though he 
abode in the heritage of oppreflbrs, and* the fpoils of 
his country lay at his feet, ^neither his confcience nor 
his honour could (loop to gather them. 
A commiflion to conftitute him ad* 
jutant* general to S^r William Waller -////. afat, 4i» 
was promifed, but foon fuperfeded by 
Waller's being laid afide, when his mailers thought 
it proper to new model their army. However, the 
keennefs of his pen had fo efifedlually recommended 
him to Cromwell's efteem, that when he took the reins 
of government into his own hand, he advanced him 
to be Latin fecretary, both to himfelf and the parlia- 
ment ; the former of thefe preferments he enjoyed both 
imder the ufurper and his fon, the otlier till King 
Charles II. was reftored. For fome time he had an 
apartment for his family at Whitehall ; but his health 
requiring a freer acceflion of air, he was obliged to 
remove from thence to lodgings which opened into 
St. James's park. Not long after his fettlement there, 
his wife died in child bed f and much about the time 
of her death, a gutta ferena, which had for feveral 
years been gradually increafing, tolaWy eit"l\Tv^\xvS)tv^\ 
tis light. In this melancholic couditiouYi^ N79k,% ^^^^ 



Vlii 



tHE LIFE or 



prevailed x? ith to think of taking another wHe, ^rfib 
was Catherine, .the daughter rf Captain Woodcock of 
Hackney ; and (he too, in lefs than a year after theif 
marriage, died in the fame unfortunate manner as the 
former had done ; and in his twenty- third Ibnnet htf 
docs honour to her memory. 

Thefe private calamities were much heightened by 
the different tigure he was likely to makd 
Jin, tetaU 5 1, in the new fcene of affairs which was 
going to be a^ed in the (late. For all 
things now confpinng to promote the king's reftora- 
tion, he was too confcious of his own ina^ivity daring 
the ufnrpation to expe^ any favour from the crown ; 
and therefore he prudently ahfconded till the a^ of 
oblivion was publifhed, by which he was only render- 
ed incapable of bearing any office in the nation. Ma- 
ny had a veiy juft efteem of his admirable parfs and 
learning, who detefted his principles, by whole inter - 
cefEon bis pardon paffed the fcals ; and I wifh thtf 
laws of civil hidory could have extended the benefit of 
that oblivion to the memory of his guilt, which was 
indulged to his perfon ; nt tanti facinorU immanitai 
txiitijfe^ nut non vindicata fiiije^ vidcatur. 

Having thus gained a full protection frodi the go- 
vernmeDt (which was in truth more than he coold 
have reafonably hoped) he appeared as much in public 
as he formerly ufed to do ; and employing his friend 
Dr. Paget to ibake choice of a third confoit» on his 
recomxnendation he married Elizabeth, the daughter 
of Mr. Minfhul, a Chefhire gentleman, by whom he 
had no iflue. Three daughters by his firft wife inhere 
then hving, the two elder of whom are faid to have, 
been very ferviceable to him in his ftudies : for having 
been inftrudled to pronounce not only the modern, but 
alfo the Latin, Greek, and Hebrew languages, they 
read in their refpe^ve originals whatever authors he 
wanted to confult, tho' they underftood none but their 
mother tongue. This employment, however, was too 
unpleafant to be continued for any long procefs of time % 
and therefore he difmiffed them to receive an educsi- 
v'oa more agrcestblc to their fex and itmptt. 



J O H N M I L T O N. it 

We come now to take a furvey of Jiim in that point 
of view, in which he will l-** looked upon bj all fuc- 
ceeding ages with equal delight and admiration. An 
interval of about twenty years had e- 
lapfed fince he wrote the ma(k of Co- * * 25. 

mus*, L' Allegro, II Pcrferofo, and jirt, at^U 
L-ycidasf , all in fuch an exquilite ftrain, f 29. 

tJiat though he had left no other mo- 
nument of his genius behind liim, his name had been 
immortal ; but neither the infirmities of age and con- 
flitution, nor the riciflitudes of fortune, could deprefs 
the vigour of his mind, or divert it from executing a 
defign he had long concei\ •?d, of writing an heroic 
poem *. , The fall of man was a fubje«5l that he had 
fome years before fixed on for a tragedy, which he ia- 
tended to form by the models of antiquity ; and fome, 
not without probability, f.4y, the play opened with 
that fpeech in the fourth book o^ Paradife Lojl, L. 32. 
which is addfeiTed by Satan to the fun. Were it ma- 
terial, 1 believe 1 cOuld produce other pafT^ges which 
more plainly appear to have been originally intended 
for the fccne : but whatever truth there may be in this 
report, it is certain that he did not begin to mould his 
fubjeft in the form which it bears now, before he had 
concluded his controverfy with Salniafius and More, 
when he had wholly loft the ilfe of his eyes, and was 
forced to employ, in the office of an amanuenfis, any 
friend who accidentally paid him a vifit. Yet, undef 
all tbcfe diftouragements, and various interruptions, . 
in the year i669f, he puhlifhed his - . 
Paradife Lofty the nobleft poem (next Jn, artMf. 6f. 
to thofe of Homer and Virgil) that e- 
ver the wit of man produced in any age or nation. 
Need I mention any other evidence of its ineftimable 
wrtth, than the fineft geniufes who have fucceeded 
him? have ever efteemed it a merit to relifh and illuf- 
tratc its beauties ? whtlfl the critic who gazed, with 
fo much wanton malice, on the nakednefs of Shake- 

• Paradife Loft, Book IX. L, a6. 

f MUton's conti-aQ nvhh hh bookfellcr, S, Simttvotis, lot vVvt, 
Sop}r, beari iUte April 27th, J667. 



% THELIFEOP 

fpeare when he flept» afier baying formally declared 
war againll it*, wanted courage to make his attack } 
fiuihed though he was with conqueAs over Julias Cae- 
far, and the Moor> which infolence his muie, like'the 
other afTalTins of Cxfar, feverely revenged on heifblff ; 
and not long after her triumph became her owb exe- 
cutioner. Nor is it unworthy our obfervatioD, that 
though perhaps not one of our Englifh poets have ex* 
cited fo many admirers to imitate his manner, yet i 
think never ar.y was known to afpire to emulation ; 
even the late ingenious Mr. Philips, who, in the co- 
lours of (lyle,. came the neareft of all the copiers to 
rcfemble the great original made his diftant advances 
with a filial reverence, and reflrained ambition within 
the fame bounds which, Locretius prescribed to his 
own imitation. 

Non Ita cettandi cupidusy quam propter afmrem 
Slued TE imitari aveo : quid etiim untcndat hirunii^ 
Cjc'fdf ? 

And now perhaps it may pafs for fi^ion, vihat with 
f^eat veracity I affirm to be fa^, that Milton, after 
having with much difficulty prevailed to have this di- 
vine poem licenfed for the prefs, could fell the copy 
for r;0 more than fifteen pounds, the payment of which 
valuable confideration depended upon the fale of three 
numerous imprtffions. So unreafonable may perfbnal 
prejudice affcA the moft excellent performances. 

About two years after j:, together 
Aa. at at, 63. with Samfon jlgonijlesy (a tragedy not 
- unworthy the Grecian fts^e when A- 
tlicns was in her glory ) he publifhed Parad'tfe Regained i 
bat, oh i 'what a f tilling cff nuas tksre I'—oi which I 
will fay no more, than that there is fcarcely a more 
rcnuirkable inftance of the frailty of human reafon 
tli:in our author gave, in preferring this poem to Pa* 
radife UJl^ nor a more inftrudive caution to the beft 



•M. 



TJic tragedies c£ the !aft age confidcrcd, page 145. 
/^/i/Jr Edgnr. 

They were UcenfcJ July a, 1670, butxxotpwoXtiVjttoi^^fcft 
enjLiji/f, 



JOHNMILTON. xi 

writers, to be very diffident in deciding ths merit of 
their own produdions. 

And thus having attended him to the fixtyfixth 
year of his age, as clofely as fuch imperfcd liyhts as 
men of letters and retirement ufually leave to guide 
our inquiry would allow, it now only remains to be 
recorded, that in the year 1674, '^^ 
gout put a period to his life, at Ban- 66. 

hill near London ; from whence his An» aiat, 
body was conveyed to St. Giles' church 67 

by Cripi^e gate, where it lies interred 
In the Chancel ; but neither has nor wants a monu- 
ment to perpetuate his memory. 

In his youth he is faid to hare been extremely hand- 
f«me ; the colour of his hair was a light brown, the 
fymmetry of his features exa<fl, enlivened wi:h an a- 
grceable air, and a beautiful mixture of fair and rud- 
dy ; which occaSoned the Marquis of Villa to ^rive his 
epigram the fame turn of thought*, which Gregory 
archdeacon of Rome had employed about a thoufand 
years before, in praifmg the amiable complexions of 
fome Engliih youths, before their converfion to chrif- 
tianity. His ftature f (^^ we find it meafured by 
himfeJf) did not exceed the middle fize, neither too 
lean, nor corpulent ; his limbs well proportioned, ner- 
vous, and a^ve, ferviceable in all refpe<n:s to his exer- 
cifing the fword, in which he much delighted ; and 
wanted neither (kill, nor courage, to rcfent an aflront 
from men of tlie moil athletic conftitutions. In his 
diet he was abftemious ; not delicate in the choice (;f 
his difhes ; and ftrong liquors of all kinds were his a- 
verfion. Beihg too fadly convinced how much his 
health had futfeied by ni,>ht-ftudies in his younger 
years, he ufed to go early (fcldom later than nine) to 
reft, and rofe commonly before ^xt in the morning. 
It is reported, (and there is a pailige in one of his 
Latin elegies to countenance the tradition), tliat Jiis 
fancy made the happieft flights in the fpring : but one 

• Ut mcAi^fonnay deccr, fades, rK-^^, f. p'utM fie, 
Ji^(?a Atjiflus,, verum hercle angcim ipfc fjff s. 

13 2 



xii THE LIFE O F, &e. 

of his nephews ufedto deliver it as Milton's own ob- 
fervaticm, that his invention was in its higheft perfec- 
tion from September to the vernal equinoac : however 
it was, the great inequalities to be found in his com- 
pofures are inconteftable proofs, that in fome feafons 
he was. but one of the people. When blindnefs re- 
ftrained him from other exercifes, he had a machine 
to fwing in for the prefervation of his health, and di- 
verted himfelf in his chamber with playing'on an or- 
gan His deportment was ere^fl, open, affable ; his 
converfation eafy, t^hearful, inftrudlive ; his wit on all 
occafions at command, facetious, grave, or fatirical^ 
as the fubjedl required. His judgement, when difen- 
caged from religious and political fpeculations, was 
juft and penetrating ; his apprehenfion quick, his me* 
in6ry tenacious ot what he read, his reading only not 
fo extenfive as his genius, for this was univerfal. And 
having treafured up fuch immenfe (lore of fcienc^^ 
perhaps the faculties of his foul grew more vigorous 
rdter he was deprived of fight ; and his imagination^ 
(naturally fublime and enlarged by reading romances*^ 
of which he was much enamoured in his youth), when 
it was wholly abftradled from material ohjeds, was 
more at liberty to make fuch amazing cxcudions into 
the ideal world, when in compoiing his divine work 
he was templed to range . . f 

Beyond' the vifthle diurnal fphere. 

With fo many accompliflimcnts, not to have had 
fome faults and misfortunes to be laid in the balance 
with the fame and felicity of writing I'aradife Loft^ 
would have been too great a portion for humanity 

ELIJAH FENTON, 

• His apology for SmcBymnuus, p. 177' /<>/• 



I N 



PAR.ADISUM AMISSAM 



SUM MI POEjTAE 



JOANNIS MILrONl 



QUIlegis AmmissamParadtsum, grandia magnt 
' Carmina MiLTONii quid nifi cunfta Icgis I 
Res cnnftas, et cundarum primordia rcrum, 
. Et fata, ct fines continet ifte liber. 
Inttma panduntur magni penetralia mundi, 
■^ Scribitur et toto qu'rcquid in orbe latet : 
Terraeque, traftufque maris, caelumque profunduni, 
: Stilphuremque Erebi, flammivomufque fpecus: : 
Qua&qiie colunt terras, pontumque, et Tartara caeca. 

Quoeque colunt fummi lucida regna poll : 
Et quodcunque ulHs conclufum eft finibus ufquaxn, 

Et fine fine Chaos, et fine fine Deus : 
Et fine fine magis, fi quid magis eft fine fine. 

In Chris ro erpo homines conciliatus amor. 
Hjcc qui fperaret quis crederct efle futura ? 

Et tamen ha;c hodie terra Britanno legit. 
O quantos in bella duces : quae protulit arma 1 

Qnas canit, et quanta proelia dira tuba ! 
Coeieftis acies ! atque in certamine coelum 1 
' Et que coeleftes pugnae deceret agros I 
Qiit^ntusin xthereis tollit fe Lucifer axnu^X 

Acquc ipfo graditur vix Micbaelt mvaox \ 



C XTi ] 

That majefty which through thy work doth rcign,' 
Drawi the devout, deterring the profane ; 
And things divine thou treat'il of in fuch date 
Aj them preferves, and thee, inviolate. 
At once delight and horror on us feize, 
Thou fmg'ft with fo much gravity and cafe ; 
And above human flight doft foar aloft, ^ 

With plume fo ftrong, fo equal, and fo foft : 
The bird nam'd from that Faradife you fmg 
80 never flags, but always keeps on wing. 

Where could'ft thou words of fuch a ccmpafs find ? 
Whence furniik fuch a va&expance of mind ? 

{oft Heav'n thee, like Tirefias, to requite, 
Lewards with prophecy thy lofs of fight. 
Well might'ft thou fcom thy readers to allure 
With tinkling rhyme, of thy own fenf^ fecure ; 
While the town- boy writes all the while and fpellsi 
And, like a pack-horfe, tires without his bells : 
Their fancies like our buftiy points appear, 
The poets tag them, we for fafhion wear. 
I too tranfported by the mode o£Fend ; 
And while I mean to praife thee, muH: commend. 
Thy verfe created like thy theme fublime, 
In number^ weight, and meafure, needs not rhyme. 



ANDREW MARVEL. 




THEVERSE. 



THE meafure is Englifli heroic vtrfc without 
ihyme, as that of Homer in Greek, and of 
Virgil in Latin ; rhyme being no neceflary adjunft or 
true ornament of poem or good verfe, in longer works 
iefpecially, but the invention of a barbarous agf , to 
fct off wretched niatter and metre ; graced indeed 
fincc by the ufe of fome famous modern poets, carried 
away by cuftom ; but much to their owrf vex<ition» 
hihderancc, and conftraint, to exprefs many things 
otherwifc, and, for the ihoft part, worfe than elfe they 
would have expreffed them. Not without caufc, therc- 
fore» fome, both Italian and Spaniih poets, of prime 
iiote, have rejefted rhyme, both in longer and (hortcf 
works, is have alfo long fiiice our beft Englilh trage- 
dies, as a thing of itfelf, to all judicious ears, trivial, 
and of no true mufical delight ; which confifts only in 
apt numbers,, fit quantity of fyllables, and the fenfc 
variottfly drawn out from one verfc into another ; not 
in the jingling found of like endings, a fault avoided 
by the learned Ancients both in poetry and all good 
oratory. This negled then of rhyme fo little is to be 
taken for a dcfed, though it may feetti fo perhaps to 
vulgar readers, tliat it rather is to be efteemed an ex- 
ample fet, the firft in Englifli, of ancient liberty re- 
tovered to heroic poem, from the troublefomc and 
toodem bondage of rhyming. 



PARADISE LOST. 

B O O K I. 

The Argument. 

This hook propofesy firfly in briefs the *wh$lefuhjeS}y MafCs 
difobedience, and the lofs thereupon of Paradife 'wherein 
he 'was placed : Then touches the prime caufe of his fail^ 
the Serpent y or rather Satan in the Serpent; ivho revolt- 
ing from Godi and draiving to his Jide many legions of 
jingels% *was by the command (f God driven out ofhea' 
ven ivith all his creiv into the great deep. Which aition 
pajfedover^ the^poem hajies into the viidfi of things ^ pre-^ 
fenting Satan 'with hjs angels noiu fallen into hell^ de- 
fcribed here^ not in the centre (for Heaven and Earth 
may he fuppofed as yet not made^ certainly not yet accurf- 
edji but in a place of utter darknefsy fitlieji called Chaos : 
Here Satan 'with his Angels lying on the burning lake^ 
thunder Jlruck and ajlontfhedy after a certain fpace re- 
covers, as from confujion, calls up him 'who next in order 
4»nd dignity lay by him: they confer of their 7niferahl^alL 
Satan awakes his legions ^ 'who lay till then in the fame 
manner confounded : They rije, their numbers ^ array of 
haitle^ their chief leaders namedy according to the idols- 
tno'wn after'wards in Canaan and the countries adjoin- 
ing. To thefe Satan direSls hisfpeech, comforts them 'witk 
hope yet ofregaiiiing Heaven, but tells them laftly of a 
nenx) fworld and a ne*w kind of creature to be created, ac 
cording to an ancient prophecy or report in heaven ; for 
that Angels 'were long before this vifible creation 'was the 
opinion of many ancient Fathers* To find out the truth 

. of this prophecy, and mihat to determine thereon-^ he refers 
to a full council. What his ajfociates thence attempts 
Pandemouinm, the palace of Satan, rifes, fuddenly built 
out of the deep : the infernal peers there Jit in' council, '• 

OF man's firft difobedience, and th€ frurt ^ 

Of that forbidden tree, whofe morX.2L\ x.a&^ 
Brought death into tlie world, and aU our -wot^ 
C z 



ao PARADISE LOST. Book I. 

With lofs of Eden, till one greater Man 

Reftore us and regain the blifsful feat, 5 

Sing, heav'nly Mufe, that on the fecret top 

Of Oreb, or of Sinai, didft infpire ' 

That fhepherd who firft taught the cbofen {ctdf 

In the beginning how the heavens and earth 

Rofe out of Chaos : orifSionhill 10 

Delight thee more, and Siloa's brook that flow'd 

Faft by the oracle of God J Ithence 

Invoke thy aid to my advent'rou? fong, 

That with no middle flight intends to foar 

Above the Aonian mounts while it purfues*' 15 

Things unactel[npted yet in profe or rhyme. 

And chiefly thou, 6 Sp'rit, that doft prefer 
Before all temples th* upright heart and pure, 
. -Inftrud me, for thou know'ft ; thou from the firft 
Waft prefent, and with mighty wings omfpread, 29 
JPovTc like, fatt'ft brooding on the vaft abyfs, 
And mad'ft it pregnant : what in me is dark. 
Illumine : what is loft, raife and fupport ; 
That to the height of this great iirgument 
I may adert eternal providence, ig 

And juftify the ways of God to man. 

%y firft, for heav'n hides nothing from thy view, 
^or the deep tra<5l of hell : fay firft what caufe 
Mov'd our grand parents in that happy ftate, 
Favour'd of heav'n fo highly, to fidl off 30 

From their Creator, and tranfgrefs his will. 
For one reftraint, lords of the world befidcs ? 
Who firft feduc'J them to that foul revolt ? 
Th' infernal ferpent ; he it was, whofe guiltf. 
Stirred up with envy and revenge, deceiv'd 35 

The mother of mankind, wh^time his pride 
Had caft him out from heav'n, w^ith all his hoft 
Of rebel angels ; by whofe aid alpiring 
To fct himfelf in glory 'bovehis peers, 
He trufted to hzve equallM the Moft High, 40 

If he opposM ; and with ambitioTis aim 
Againft the throne and monarchy of Con 
Jiah'd impious war in heav'n and battle proud, 
^V/rh vdia uUCDipu Him tht A\ii\\\^\\t^ ^of^w: 



Book I. P A R A D I S E L O S T. ai 

Hurl'd headlong flaming from th' cthcrial Iky, 45 
With hideous ruin and combudion, down 
To bottomlefs perdition, there to dwell 
In adamantine chains and penal fire. 
Who durft defy the Omnipotent to arms. 
]Nine times the fpace that meafures day and night 50 
To mortal men, he with his horrid crew 
Lay vanquifh'd rolling in the fiery gulf. 
Confounded though immortal : but his doom 
Referv'd him to more wrath ; for now the thought 
Both of loft happinefs and lafting pain 5 5 

Torments him. Round he throws his baleful eyes. 
That witnefs'd hug? afHidlion and difmay 
Mix'd with obdurate pride and ftedfaft hate : 
At once, as far as angels ken, he views 
The difmal fituation wafte and wild ; 60 

A dungeon horrible on all fides round 
As one great furnace flam'd ; yet from thofc flames 
No light, but rather darknefs vifiblc 
Scrv'd only to difcover fights of woe. 
Regions of forrow, doleful ihades, where peace 65 
■ And reft can never dwell, hope never comes 
That comes to all ; but torture without end 
.Still urges, and a fiery deluge, fed 
With ever- burning fulphur unconfumM : 
Such place eternal juftice had prepar'd • 70 

For thofe robellious, here their pris'n ordain'd 
In utter darknefs, and their portion fet 
As far remo¥*d from God and light of heav'n, 
As from the center thrice to th' utmoft pole. 
O how unlike the place from whence they fell ! 75 
There ihe companions of his fall, overwhelmed 
With fl.x>ds and whirlwinds of tcmpefluous fire, 
He foon difcerns ; and Avelt'ring by his fide 
One next himfelf in pow'r, and next in crime, 
Lon^^ after known in Paleftine, and nam'd Zo 

Beelzebub. To whom th* arch-enemy, 
And thence in heav'n call'd Satan, with bold words 
Breaking the horrid filcnce thus began. 

If tliou bee ft he ; but, O how fall'n ! how chaw^'d. 
Trom him, who in tie happy realms o£ ^i^^ %^ 



j2 PARADISE LOST. Book I. 

Cloth'd with tranfccndent brightncfs did ft outfliine 
•Miriads though bright ! if he whom mutual league. 
United tlioughts and counfels, equal hope 
And hazard in the glorious enterprifc, 
Join'd with me once, now mifery hath join'd 90 

In equal ruin j into what pit thou feeft 
From what height fall'n, fo much the ftronger prov'd 
He with his thunder : and till then who knew 
The force of thofe dire arms ? Yet not for tbofc. 
Nor what the potent Vidor in his rage 55 

Can elfe inflidt, do 1 repent or change : 
Though chang'd in outward lullre, that Bx^d mind. 
And high difdhiin from fenfe of injurM merit. 
That with the Mightieft rais'd me to contend ; 
And to the fierce contention brought along 100 

Innumerable fnrce of fpirits arm'd, 
That durft diflike his reign, and me preferring. 
His utmoft pow'r with adverfe pow'r oppos'd 
In dubious battle on the plains of heaven 
And (hook his throne. What though the field be loft? 
All is not loft ; th^ unconquerable will, jo6 

And ftudy of revenge, immortal hate. 
And courage never to fubmit or yield. 
And what is elfe not to be overcome ; 
That glory never fhall his wrath or might 1 1» 

Extort from me. To bow and fue for grace 
With fuppliant knee, and deify Jiis power. 
Who from the terror of this arm ih late 
Doubted his empire ; that were low indeed, 
That were an ignominy' a-nd fhame beneath 1 15 

This downfal ; fincc by htc the ftrenj2fth of gods . 
And his empyreal fubii-ince cannot f.iil ; 
Since through experience of this great event 
In arms not worfc, inforefighl muchad/ancM, 
We may with more liiccefsful hope refolve j 20 

To wage by force or guile eternal war, 
Irrcconcileable to our grand foe, 
Who now triumphs, and in the cxcefs of joy 
Sole reigning holds the tyranny of heaven. 
So fpakc th' apoftate angel, though in pain ; 125 
Vaunting aJoud, but r^ck'iwitii d^c^ dt^-^Mi ; 



BookL paradise lost. 2J 

And him thas aDfwer'd foon his bold compeer. 

O Prince, O chief of many throned powers. 
That led th' embattell'd feraphim to war, 
Under thy conduft, and in dreadful deeps 130 

Pcarlefs, endangered heav'n's perpetual King, 
And put^to proof his high fupremacy, 
Whether uplield by ftrength, or chance, cr fate ; 
Too well I fee, and rue the dire event. 
That with fad overthrow and foul defeat 135 

Hath loft OS heav'n, and all this mighty hoft 
Jo horrible deftrudtion laid thus low. 
As far as gods aod heav'nly effences 
Can perilh : for the mind and fp'rit remain. 
In vincibh, and vigour foon returns, . 140 

Though all our glory' extinft, and happy ftatc 
Here fwallow'd up in endlefs mifery. 
But what if he, our conqu'ror (whom I now 
Of force believe Almighty, fmce no lefs 
Than fuch could have o'erpower'd fuch force as ours) 
- Have left us thus our fp'rit and ftrength entire 1 46 
Strongly to fuflFer and fupport our pains 
That we may fo fuffice his vengeful ire, 
Or do him mightier fervice as his thralls 
By right of war, whatever his bufmefs be 150 

Here in the heart of hell to worj^ in fire. 
Or do his errands in the gloomy deep ; 
What can it then avail, though yet we feel 
Strength undiminifli'd, or eternal being 
To undergo eternal puniftiment ? 155 

Whereto with fpeedy words th' arch fiend reply'd, 

Fall'n Cherub, to be weak is miferable 
Doing or fuffering : but of this be fure. 
To do ought good never will be our tafk. 
But ever to do ill our fole delight, 1 60 

As bei'ng the contrary to his high will 
Whom we rcfift If then his providence 
Out of our evil feck to bring forth good. 
Our labour muft be to pervert that end. 
And out of good^ ftill to find means of evil ; 1 65 

Which oft-times may fuccecd, fb as perhaps 



34 1*ARAD1SE LOST. Boor t 

His inmoft counfels from their deftln'd aim. 
But fee the angry vi^or h.ith recall'd 
His minifters of vengeance and purfuit iy© 

Biick to the gates of heaven : fulphurous hail 
Shot after us in ftorm, o'erblown hath laid 
The fierjr fiirge, that from thfe precipice 
t)f heav'n received us falling ; and the thurder- 
Wing'd witli red lightning and impetuous rage, 175 
Perhaps hath fpent his fhai'ts, and ceafes now 
To bellow through the vaft and boundlefs deep, 
l^et us not flip th' occafion, whether fcorn, 
Or fatiate fury yield it from our foe. 
iSccft thou yon dreary plain, forlorn arid ^ild ; 1 80 
The feat of dcfolatton, void of light, 
Save what the gUmm'ring of thefe livid flames 
Cafts pale and dreadful? Thither let us tend 
From oflPthe tofiing of thefe fiery waves ; 
There reft, if any reft can harbour there : 1 85 

And reaflembling our afilided powers, 
Confult how we may henceforth moft offend 
Our enemy, our own lofshow repair, 
HoaV overcome this dire calamity, 
What reinforcement, we may gain from hoi[>e> 150 
If not, what refolution from defpair. 
Thus Satan talking to his neareft mate 
With head uplift above the wave, and cyeS 
That fparkling blaz'd, his other parts befidefl 
throne on the flood, extended long and large 19J 

Lay floating many a rood, in bulk as huge 
As whotn the fables name of monftrous Sze, 
Titanian, or Earth born, that warr'd on Jove, 
Briarcos or Typhon x'^ horn the den 
By ancient Tarfus held, or that fea beaft 20^ 

Leviathan, which God of all his works 
Created hugeft that fwlm the ocean ftream : 
Him haply flumb'ring on the Norway fcam 
The pilot of fome fmall night foundcr'd ikiff 
JDeemi^g fbme ifland, oft, as feamcn tell, ao 

With fixed anchor on his fcaly rind 
Moors by hts fide under tlic lee, while night 
JnvcAs the fcg, and wiiked mom dday^ \ 



BooxK PARADISE LOST^ 35 

$0 ftretch'd out huge in length the arch -fiend lay 

ChatnM on the burning lake i nor even thence 219 

Had ris'n, or heav'd his heaJ, but that the will 

And high pernEtidion of all- ruling Heaven 

Left htm at hirge to his own dark dcfigns ; 

That with reiterated crimes he might 

fieap on himfelf damnation, while he fought a 15 

Evil to others ; and enrag'd might fee 

How all hi& malice fer^M but to bring forth 

Infinite goodnefs, grape and mtrrcy (hewn 

Qn man by himfeduc'd ; but on himfelf 

Treble confufion, wrath and vengeance pour*3, 220 

Forthwith upright be rears from off the pool 

His mighty ftature : on each hand the flames 

Driven b;ickward flope their pointing fpears, and roll'd 

1/^ billows, leave i' rh' midft a horrid vale. 

Then with expanded wings he fteers his flight 2 2 J 

Aloft, incumbent on tji? Jufky air, 

That felt unufual weight ; till on dry land 

He lights, if it were land that ever burn'd 

\yith iblid, as the lake with liquid lire ; 

And fuch appeared in hue, as when the force 230 

Of fubtenrancan wind tranfports a hill 

Torn from Pelorus, or the {tatter'd fide 

Of thund'ring -£tna, whofe combuftible 

And fuelPd entrails thence conceiving fire, 

^ublim'd with mineral fury, aid the winds, 235 

And leave a finged bottom all involved 

With ftench and fmofce : fuch refting found the fole 

Of unblefs*d feet. Him followM his next mate. 

Both glorying to have 'fcap'd the Styc^iin flood - 

As gods, and by their own recovered ftrength, 240 

Not by the fufferance of fupernal power. 

Is tliis the region, this the foil, the clime. 

Said then the loft arch-angel ? this the feat 

s That we muft change for heav*n, this mouihful gloom 
r^For that celeftial light ? Be' it fo, fince he, 245 

^ijTho now is fov'reign can difpofe and bid 
What (hall be right : fartheft from him is beft, 
Whom reas'on hath equallM, force hath made fuprctti* 
Above bis equals, farewell happy &t\dS) 



i6 . t^ARADISE LOST* Boole L 

Where joy for ever dwells : hail horrors, hail 250 

Infernal world, and thou profoundeft hell 

Receive thy new pofTeflbr ; one who brings 

A mind not to be chang'd by place or time. 

1'he mind is its own place, and in itfelf 

Can make a hcav'n of hell, a hell of heav'n. 255 

What matter where, if I be ftill the fame. 

And what I fhoiild be, all bnrlefs than he 

Whom thunder hath made-greater ? Here at lad 

We Ihall be free : th' Almtghty hath not built 

Here for his envy, will not drive us hence : 260 

Here we may reigu fecure, and in my choice 

To reign is worth ambition, though in hell : 

Better (o reign in hell, than ferve in heaven. 

But wherefore let we then our faithful friends, 

Th* affociates and copartners of our lofs 265 

Lie thus aftonifh'd on th' oblivious pool, 

And call them not to ihare with us their part 

In this unhappy manfion, or once more 

With rallied arms to try what may be yet 

Regained in heav'n, or what more loft in hell ? 270 

So Satan fpake, and him Beelzebub 
Thus anftver'd. Leader of thefe armies bright. 
Which but th' Omnipotent none could have foil'd. 
If once they hear that voice, their livelieft pledge 
Of hope in fears and dangers, heard fo oft 275 

In worft extremes, and on the perilous edge 
Of battle when it rag'd, in all aflaults. 
Their fureft fignal, they will foon refumc 
New courage and revive, though now they lie 
Groveling and pro ft rate on yon lake of fire, 280 

As we erewhile, aftounded and amaz'd, - 
No wonder, fall'n fuch a pernicious height. 

He fcarce had ceasM when the fuperior fiend 
Was moving tow'ardthe fhore ; his ponderous ftiield. 
Ethereal temper, ma/fy, large and round, 285 

Behind him caft ; the broad circumference 
Hung on his flionlders like the moon, whofc orb 
Through optic glafs the Tufcan aitift views 
j^t evening from the top of Fefole, 
Or in Valdarno, to dcfcry new lands, ac^o 



BooK-L PARADISE LOST. 27 

Rivers or mountains m her fpoity globe. 
His fpcar, to equal which the taleil pine 
Hewn on Nor^vegian hills, to be the mafl 
Of fome great admiral, were but a wand, 
He walk'd with to fupport uneafy fteps 295 

Over the burning marl, (not like thoie fteps ' 
On heaven's azure), and the torrid clime 
Smote on him fore befides, vaulted with fire. 
Nathlefs he fo endur'd, till on the beach 
Of that inflamed fca he llood, and callM 30© 

His legions, angel- forriis, who lay intranc'd 
Thick as autumnalleavcs that ftrow th;; brooks 
In Vallombrofa, where th' Etrurian ftiadcs 
High over arch'd imbowV ; or fcatter'd fsdge 
Afloat, when with fierce winds Orion arm'd 305 
Hath vex'd the Red-fea coaft, whofe waves o'erthrcw 
Bufiris and his Memphian cavalry, 
While with perfidious hatred they puifa'd 
•The fojonmers of Gofhen, who beheld 
From the fafe fhore their floating Carcafes 3 o 

And broken chariot wheels : fo thick beftrown, 
Abje<fl and loft lay thefe, covering the flood, 
Under amazement of their hideous change. 
He call'd fo loud, that all the hollow deep 
Of hell rcfounded. Princes, pptent:\tes, 3 1 y 

Wariors, the flow'r of heav'n, once yours, now loft. 
If fuch aftonilhment as this can feize 
Eternal fp'rits ; or h »ve ye chos'n this place 
Aft^r the toil of battle to repofe 
Your wearied virtue, for the eafe you find 320 

To llumber here, as in the vaks of heav'n ? 
Or in this abje<5l pofture have ye fwom 
T' adore the conqueror ? who now beholds 
Cherub and S' raph rolling in the flood 
With fcatterM arms and enfigns, till anon 325 

His fwift puifoers from heav'n- gates difcern 
Th* advantage, and dcfcending tread us down 
Thus drooping, or with linked thunderbolts 
Transfix us to the bottom of tliis gulph. 
Awake, ariff, or be for ever falVn. ^'x^o 

Thc/hjsard, diid were abafliM, and up \\\t^ ^^i\5av^ 
B 2 



JO PARADISIC LOST. Book I^ 

To do him wanton rites, which cod them woe. 

Yet th^mce his lullful orgies he enhrg'd 41 J 

liv'n to that hill of fcandal, by the grove 

Of Moloch Jiomicide ; lull hard by hate ; 

Till good Jofiah drove them thence to hell. 

With thefe came they, who from the bordVing flood 

Of old Euphrates, to the brook that parts 42® 

Egypt from Syrian ground, had general names 

Of Baalim and Afhtaroth ; thofe male, 

Thefe feminine. For fpirics when they pleafe 

Can cither fex aflume, or both ; fo foit 

And uncompounded is tJieir efl'ence pure ; 425 • 

Not ti'd or manacled w th joint or limb. 

Nor founded on the brittle Hrength ot bones, 

Like cumbrous flefh ; but in what fhape they chufe 

l>il2ited or condens'd, bright or obfcure, 

Cap execute their airy purpoles, 433 

And works of love or enmity fulfil. 

For ihofe the race of Ifrael oft A^rfook 

Their living ftrength, and unfrequented left 

His righteous altar, bowing lowly down 

To bedial gods : for which their heads as low 435 

Bow'd down in battle, funk before the fpear 

Of defpicablc foes. With thefe in troop 

Came A^oreth, whom the Phoenicians calPd 

Aftartc, queen of heav'n, wiih crefcent horns ; 

To which bright image nightly by the moon 440 

Sidonian virgins paid their voWs and fongs ; 

In Sion alfo not unfung, where ftood 

Her temple on th' ofFenfive mountain, built 

By that uxorious king, whofe heart, though large, 

Beguil'd I^y f;iir idolatrefTes, fell 445* 

To idols foul. Thammu? came next behind, 

Whofe annual wound in Lebanon allur'd 

The Syrian damfels to lament his fate 

In amorous ditties all a fummer's day ; 

While fmooth Adonis from his native rock 450 

R-tn purple to the fea, fupj)os'd with blood 

Of Th;!mmu/ yearly wounded : thelovc-tale , 

lnfc«51t'd Sion^ daughters with like heat; 

U'Lofv wanton paiiions in ibe Cacxtd ^oich 



BookL paradise lost* 31 

# 
JEzekielfHw, when, by the vifion led, 455 

His eye furrey'd the dark idolatries 
Of alienated Judah. Next c^inc one, 
Who moum'd in earned, when the captive ark 
Maim'd his hrute image, head and hands lopt ofF 
In his own temple, on the grunf;l edge, 460 

Where he fell Hat, and Iham'd his worlhippcrs : 
Dagon liis name, fea monfter, upward man 
And downward fifh ; yet had his temple hieh 
Rear'd in Azotus, dreaded tiirongh the coail 
Of Paleftine, inGath, and Afculon, 465 

And Accaron, and Gaza's frontier bounds. 
Him followed Rimmon, whofe delightful f^at 
Was f lir Damafcus, on the fertile banks 
Of Abbana and Pharphar, lu id ftreams. 
He alfo ag.iinft the houfe of God was bold : 47© 
A leper once he loft, and gain'd a king 
Ahaz, his fottilli conqu'ror, whom he drew 
God's altar to difparage, and difplace, 
For one of Syrian mode, whereon to hum 
His odious off'rings, and adore the gods 47J 

Whom he had vanquilL'd. After thcf: appcar*d 
A crew, who under names of eld renown, 
Ofiris, )(is, Cms, and their tr;;in. 
With monftrous Ihapes and forceries abus'J 
Fanatic Egypt, and her prids, to feek 4?^ 

Their wand'ring gods difguis'd in brutifii forms, 
Kather than hum'.ui. Nor did lir'el 'fcapc 
Th' infe<5lion, when their borrow'd gold composM 
The calt in Orel) ; and the rebel kinir 
Doubled that fm in Heihel and in Dan, 485 

Lik'ning his Maker to the gniZs^d ox, 
Jehovah ; who in one night, when he pafs'J 
From Egypt marching, equ.ill'd with one ftrokb 
Both her Hrit-born ;tnd nil her bleating gods. 
Belial came laft, than whom a fp'rit more lewd 490 
Fell not from heaven, or more grofs tf» love 
Vice for itfdf : to him no temple flood 
Or altar fmokM ; yet who more oft than he 
In temples and at altars, when the priift. 
Turns atlicill, us did Lli's llns, who fi\V A i^^^ 



Jt PARADISE LOST. Booe L 

That fought at Thebes and Ilium, on each fide 
Mix'd with .luxiliar gods ; and what refounds 
In fable or romance of Uther's fon 5 Jo 

Begirt with Britiih and Armoric knights ; 
And all who fm<:e, baptized or infidel, 
Jouftedin Afpramont'or Mpntalban, 
Damafco, or Morocco, or Trebifond ; 
Or whom Bifcrta fent from Afric (hore, 585 

When i^harlemain with all his peerage fell 
By Fontafabbia. Thus far ihefe beyond 
Compare of mortal prowefs, yet obferv'd 
Their dread commander : he, above the reft 
In {hape and gefture proudly eminent, j^o 

Stood like a tow'r ; his form had yet not loft 
All her original brightnefs, nor appeared 
Lcis than arch angel ruin'd, and th' exccfs 
Of glory obfcur'd : as when the fun new ris'n 
Looks through the horrizontal mifty air ^ gg^ 

Shorn of his beams : or from behind the moon^ 
In dim eclipfe, difaftrous twilight flieds 
On half the nations, aiid. with fear of change 
Perplexes monarchs. Darkened fo, yet Ihone 
Above them all th* arch angel : but his face 600 
Deep fears of thunder had entrench'd, and care 
Sat on his faded cheek, but under brows 
Of dauntlefs courage, and confiderate pride 
Waiting revenge : cmel his eye, but caft 
Sigjns of remorie and paffion to behold 605 

The fellows of his crime, thefollVers rather, 
(Far other once beheld in blifs,) condemn'd 
For ever now to have their lot in pain ; 
Millions of fpirits for his fault amerc'd 
Of heav'n, and from eternal fplendours flung 610 
For his revolt ; yet faithful how they ftood. 
Their glory withered : as when heav'n's fire 
Hatth fcath'd the foreft-oaks, or mountain pines. 
With finged top their (lately growth, though bare. 
Stands on the blafted heath He now prepared 61^ 
To fpeak ; whereat their doubled ranks they bend 
From wing to wing, and half inclofe him rouad 
jyjtjb sdl his peers : attcntiou li«\d Vixia mux*- 



Book I. PARADISE LOST. 35 

Thrice he cfray*d, and thrice, in fpitc of fcorn, 
Tfars, fuch as angels weep, hurft forth; at laft 620 
Words interwove with fighs found out their way. 

O myriads of immortal fp*rits, O powers 
Mritchlefs. but with th* Almighty ; and that (Irifc 
Was not inglorious, though th' event wjs dire, 
As this place tedifies, and this dire change, 62^ 

Hateful to utter : but what pow'r of mind, 
Forefeeing or prefaging, from the depth 
Of knowledge paft or prefent, could have fear'i. 
How fuch united force of gods,4iow fuch 
As (lood like thefe, could ever know repulfe ? 630 
For who can yet believe, though after lofs, 
Thirt all thefe puiifant legions, whofe exile 
Hath emptied heav'n, fhall fail to reafcend. 
Self raised, and repofft^fs their native feat ? 
For me be witncfs all the hoft of heav'n 65 j 

If counfels different, or danger (hnnn'd 
By me, have loft our hopes But he who reigns 
Monarch in heav*n, till then as one fecurc 
i>at on his throne, upheld by old repute, 
Confent or cuftom, and his regal ftate 640 

Put forth at full, but ftill his drength conceaVd, 
Which tempted our attempt, and wrought our fall. 
Henceforth his might we know, and know our own ; 
So as not either to provoke, or dread 
New war, provok'd ; our better part remains, 645 
To work in clo 2 defign, by fraud or guilf , 
What force effedled not : that he nolefs 
At length from us may find, who overcomes 
By force, hath overcome but half his foe. 
Space m'ay produce new worlds ; whereof fo rife 650 
There went a fame in heav'n, that he ere long 
Intended to create, and therein plant 

- A generation, whom his choice regard 
Should favour equal to the fons of heaven : 
Thifher, if but to pry, (lull be perhaps 6^^ 

Gurfirft eruption, thither or elfewhere : 
For this infernal pit (liall never hold 
Celeftial fp'rits in bondage, nor th* Abyfs 

^ JLou£: under darknefs cover. But \licfc t\\o\x^t% 
E 1 



3» 



PARADISE LOST. Book 1 



Sheer o'er the cryftal battlements ; from mom 

To noon he fell, from noon to dewy eve, 

A rummer's day ; and with the fetting fun 

Xhopt from th.* Zenith hke a falling liar, 74. 

On l^emnos th' iE^^ean ifl^ : thus they relate, 

lirring ; lor he with this rebellious rout 

F'jil long before : nor ought avail'd him now 

T* have liuilt in heav'n high towVs ; dor ditf he *fcap 

By^U his engines, but was headl mg fent 7^ 

With all his induilr ous crew to build in hell. 

Mean-whik the wingeci heralds by comm.ind 
Of foy'reign pow'r> with awful ceremony ' 
And trumpets found, throughout the hoil proclaim 
A folemn council forthwith to be heid 75 

At P.-.r>den)onium, the high capiral 
* Of Satan and his peers : their fummons call'd 
From cvVy band and fquared regiment 
By place or choice the worthieft ; they anon 
With hundreds, and with thoufands, trooping'came 
Attended : all acccfs was throng'd. the gates 'j6 
And porches wide, but chief the fpacious hall 
{ Though like a cover'd field, where champions bold 
Wont ride in arrr/d, and at the Soldan's chair 
D^li'd the bed of Panim chivalry 76 

To mortal combat, or career with lance) 
Thick fwarm'd, both on the grround and in the air 
Bnifh'd with the hifs of ruffling wings, ^s bees 
In fpring time, when the fun with Taurus rides. 
Pour forth their populous youth about tlie hive 77q 
In clullers ; they among frefli d^\v& and flowers 
Tly to and fro, or on the fmoorhed plank, 
The fuburb of tlicir ftraw built citadel, 
^.cw rubb'd with balm, expatiate and confer 
Kew ftate-aifairs. So thick the airy crowd 77J 

Swarmed and were ftraiten'd ; till the f.gnal giv'n. 
Behold a wonder ! they but now who fecni'd 
In 'ignefs to furpafs earth's giant f )ns, 
Now lefs than fniailcll dwarfs, in narrow room 
Throng nnn)b£rkfs, like that Pygmean race 785 

B'yonvl the Indian mount ; or fairy elves, 
Wboib /wrdi?/ 'ht-revelsbv a toxiivXVvdt^ 



Bo3kL paradise lost. 39 

OrfouTJtain, fome belated peafan^ {ces^ 

Or dreams he fees ; while dvirhead the moon 

Sit» arbirrefs, and nearer to the earth 78^ 

Wheels her pale courfe ; they on thtir mirth and dant« 

Intent, with jocund mufic charm his ear ; 

At once with joy.and fear his h-.-art rebounds. 

Thus incorporeal fp'rits to fmalleft forms 

Rcduc'd thfir fhapes immenfe, and were at large, 790 

Though without number ftill, amidft tlie hull 

Of that infernal court. But far within. 

And in their own dimenfions like themfelves. 

The great Seraphic lords^Tid Cherubim 

In clofs recefs and fecret conclave fat, * 79J 

A thoufand demi gods on golden feats, 

Frequent and full After Ibort filence then, 

'^d fummons read> the great confult began. 



End of the First Book. 



1 



PAR A DI SE LOST, 

BOOK n. 

TheArgument. 

ihfconfuhation begurty Satan debates nuhether another hat" 
■ tie be to be hazarded fjr the recovery of heaven ; fo7u€ 
advlfe it, others diffuade A third propofalis preferred^ 
mentioned before by Satan, to fearch the truth of that 
fr$phecy or tradition in heaven concerning another luorld^ 
and another kind of creature^ equals or not much inferior 
"to themfelvess about this time to be created: Their doubt , 
ivhojhalt be fent on this difficult fearch : Satan theirs 

. shief undertakes alone the voyage, is honoured and ap^ 
plauded. The council thus ended, the reft betake them 
feveral nvays, and to fever at employ jnents,, as their irt" 
dinations lead them^ to entertain the time till Satan re* 
turn. He paffes on his journey to hell gates ^ finds them 

Jhut, and fwhofat there to gtMrd them, by nukom at 
length they are opened, and dtfcovered to him the great 
gtuph betiveen hell and heaven ; ijoith *whut difficulty he 
fajfes through, dire6ledby Chaof, the po^wer ofthatplace^ 
to tbejight ofthit nenx) 'world luhich he fought. 

HIGH on a throne of royal (late, which ht 
Outihooe the wealth of Ormus and of Indy 
Or where the gorgeous Eaft with richcft hand 
Show'rs OH her kings barbaric pearl and gold, 
Satan exalted fat, by merit rai^M j 

To that bad eminence ; and from defpair 
Thus high uplifted beyond hope, afpires 
Beyond thus high ; infatiate to purfae 
Vain war with heaven; and, by fuccefs untaught, 
His proud imaginations thus difplayM. la 

Pow'rs and dominions, deities of hcav'n ; 
For fmce no deep within her gulf can hold 
Immortal vigour, though opprefsM and fall'n, 
I givt not heaven for loft. From this dcCceivt 
Ctfleliisd virtues rifing, will appear \^ 

Miorc glorious smd more dread than fioia no iii> 
F 



41 PARADISE LOST. Book*II. 

' And trufl themfclves to fear-no fecond fate.' 
Me though j lift right, and the fix'd laws of heaven 
Did firft create your leader ; next, free choice j 
With what befides, in council or in fight, ^ ac 

Hath been atchiev'd of merit 5 yet this lofs, 
Thus far at leaft recovered, hath much more 
Eflablifh'd in a fafe unenvi*d throne, 
Yielded with full confcnt. The happier ft ate 
In heav'n, v/htch follows dignity, might draw 25 
Envy from each inferior : but who here 
Will envy whom the higheft place expofes 
Foremoft to ftand againft the ThundVer's aim» 
Your bulwark, ,and condemns togreateft ihare 
Of endlefs pain ? Where there is then no good 30 
For which to ftrive, no ftrife can grow up there 
From fiidlion : for none fure will claim in hell 
Precedence ; none, whofe portion is fo fmall 
Of prefent pain, that with ambitious mind 
Will covet more With this advantage then 5 J 

To union, and firm faith, and firm accoid. 
More than can be in heav'n, we now return 
To claim our juft inheritance of oldj,. 
Surer to profper than profptrity 
Could have aflur'd us ; and by what beft way, 40 
Whether of open war or covert guile, 
We now debate : who can advife may jpeak. 

He ceas'd ; and next him Moloch, fcepterM king^ 
Stood up, the ftrongeft and the fierceft fp'rit 
That fought in heaven, now fiercer by defpair. 45 
His truft was with th' Eternal to b^deem'd 
Equal in ftrength ; and rather than be lefs, 
Car'd not to he at all ; with that care loft 
Went all his fear : of God, or hell, or worfe 
He reck'd not : and thefe words thereafter fpake* 50 

My fentence is for open war : of wiles. 
More unexpert, I boatt not : them let thofe 
Contrive who need ; or when thty need, not now* 
For while they fit contriving, ihall the refl. 
Millions that ftand in armt^, and long wait ^f 

The fignal to^afcend, fit ling'ring here 

JlesLv'n's fugitives^ and for thew dVitWm^ ^\a.ca 
Jiccept this dark opprobrious d«a o£ tbaixvk^ 



BookH. paradise lost. 43 

The prifon of his tyranny who reigns 
By our delay ? No, let us raiher choofet 60 

Arm'd with hell flames and fury, all at once 
O'er heav'n's high tow'rs to force refilUcf* way, 
Turning our tortures into horrid arms 
Agatnft the torturer ; when to meet the noife 
Of his Almighty engine he fhall hear 65 

Infernal thunder : and for lightning, fee 
Black fire and horror fhot with equal rage 
Among his Angels ; and his throne itfelf 
Mix'd with Tartarian fulphur, and ftrange fire. 
His own invented torments. But perhaps 70 

llie way feems difficult and fteep to fcale 
With upright wing agaiitft a higher foe. 
Let fuch bethink them, if the fl^epy drench 
Of that forgetful lake benumb not ftill, 
That in our proper motion we afcend y J 

Up to our native feat : defccnt and fall 
To us is adverfe. Who but felt of late, 
When the fierce foe hung on our broken rear 
Infulting, and purfu'd us through the deep. 
With what compulfion and laborious flight 80 

We funk thus low ? The afcent is cafy then ; 
Th' event is fear'd ; fliould we again provoke 
Our ftronger, fome worfe way his wrath may find 
To our deftru(ftion ; if there be in hell 
Fear to be worfe deftroy'd. What can be worfe 8 J 
Than to dwell here, driv'n out from blifs,' condemned 
In thisabhorrcd deep to utter woe ; 
Where pain of uncxtinguilhable fire 
MuH exercife us without hope of end. 
The vaflals of his anger, when the fcourge 50 

Inexorably, and the torturing hour 
Calls us to penance ? More deflroy'd than thus. 
We (hould be quite abolirti'd, and expire. 
What fear we then ? What doubt we to incenfe 
His utmoft ire? which to the height enrag'd r^f 
Will either quite confume us, and reduce 
To nothing this eflential ; happiir far. 
Than miferable to have eternnl being : 
Orifoarfabdance be indeed divine, 
And cannot ceafc to be, we arc ait wotft. ^o^ 

F 2 



44 PARADISE LOST. Book; 

On this fide nothing ; and by proof we feel 
Oar pow'r fufficient to diftiirb his heav'n. 
And with perpetual inroads to alarm. 
Though inacceflible, his fatal throne : 
Whichy if not.vi^ory, is yet revenge. 

He ended frowning, and his look denonnc'd 
Defp'rate revenge, and battle datigerous 
To lefs than gods On th' other fide uprofe 
Belial, in ad more graceful and humane : 
A fairer perfon loft not heav'n ; he feem'd : 

For dignity composM, and high exploit : 
Sut all was falfe and hollow ; though his tongue 
Dropt manna, and could mnke the worfe appear 
The better reafon, to perplex and dafh 
Matureft counfels : for his thoughts were low ; i 
To vice induftrious, but to nobler detds 
Timorous and flothful : yet he pleas'd the car^ 
And with perfuafive accent thus began. 

I (hould be much for open war, O peers. 
As not behind in hate ; if what was urg'd i 

Main reafon to perfuade immediate war, 
Did not diifuade me moft, and feem to caft 
Ominous conje£lure on the whole fuccefs ; . 
When he who moft excels in ad of arms. 
In what be counfels, and in what excels, j 

Miftruftful. grounds his courage on defpair 
And utter difTolution, as the fcope 
Of all his aim, after fome dire revenge. 
Firft, what revenge ? The tow'rs qf Heav*n arc fill 
With armed watch, that render all ^cccfs i 

Impregnable : oft on the bord'ring deep 
Jncamp their legions ; or with obfcuie wing. 
Scout far and wide into the realm of night. 
Scorning furprife. Or could we break r.ur way 
By force, and at our heels all Hell fliould rife i 

With blackeft infurre6:ion. to confound 
Heav'n's piireft light ; yet our great enemy, 
All uncorruptible, would on his throne 
Sit unpolluted ; and th' etherial mold. 
Incapable of ftain, would foon expel i 

//tfr njifchief, and purge ojj the Wfet ^t«, 
Vidlonous. Thus repuls'd, ouifetttWo^^ 



Booin. ^"PATIADISE LOST. « 

Is flat defpair ; we muft exafperote 
Th* almighty vidtor to fpend all his rage, 
And that mud end us : thnt muft be our core, 14^ 
To be no more. Sad cure ! for who would loft. 
Though full of pain, this intelleftual being, 
Thofe thoughts that wander ch'ongh eternitf, 
Toperifli rather, fwallo-wned np and loll 
In the wide womb of uncreated night, 15P 

Devoid of fenfe and motion ? and who knowsj 
fiCt this be good, whether our ^ngry foe 
Can give it, or will erer ? how he can. 
Is doubtful ; that he never will, is furc- 
Will he. fo wife, let loofe at once his ire, t§S 

Belike through impotence, or unaware. 
To give his enemies their wiih, and end 
Them in his anger, whom his anger faves, 
Topunifii cndlefs ? wherefore ceafe we then? 
Say thty who counfel war ; we are decreed, 160 

Referv'd. and deftin'd to eternal woe ; 
Whatever doing, what can we fuffer more ? 
What can we fuffer worfe ? Is this then worft. 
Thus fitting, thus confulting, tlius in arras ? 
What, when we fled amain, purlu'd and ftnick 165 
With heav^.n's afflifting thunder ; and befought 
The deep tolhelterus? this hell then feem*d 
A refiige from thofe wounds : or when we lay 
Chain'd on the burning lake, that fure was wade. 
What if the breath that Jjindled thofe grim fires, 170 
Awak*dj ihould blow thcnxinto fev'nfcid rage, 
And plunge us in the flames ? or, from above, 
phould intermi ted vengeance arm ag;iin 
*^>'' red right hand to plague us ! what if all 
+*'?r ftores were open'd, and this firmament 175 

^^Ml {h«uld fpnut her catarwfts of fire, = 
J^^Pendcnt horrors, threatening hideous fall 
^"c day upon our heads ; while we perhaps 
•^^figning or exhorting glorious war, 
^^"ght in a fiery tempell flinll be hurl'd 180 

^5»ch on his rock transfix'd, th«: fport and play 
Jjf Wracking whirlwinds; or for ever futi^^ 
F^dcryon boiling ocean, wrapt In chAms, 
f^^rc to coaverfe with. eve rlafting groa.Ti=.,^ 



46 PARADISE iOST. »ooi H. 

Unrefplted, iinpitied, itnrcpriev^d, iSj 

Ages of hopflcfb end ? this would be worfe. 
War lhcrcfoi-e, open or conccul'd, alike 
My Toice difTiadtrs ; for what can force or guile 
With him, or who deceive his mind, whofe eye 
Views all things at one view ? he from heav'n's height 
All thefe our moiions vain, fees and derides ; zyi 
Not more almighty to rciiii our might 
Than wife to fruftratc all oi;r plots and wiles. 
Shall we then live thus vile, the race of heav'a 
Th!is trampled, thus cxpelPd, to fuflfer here 195 

^ Chains and thefe torments ? Better ihcic ti^an worlct 
By my advice ; fmct fate inevitable 
Subdues us, and omnipotent decree, 
*^rhe vigor's will. To fufft-r, as to c'o, 
Our ftrength is equal, nor the law unjuft so* 

• That fo "ordains: this was at firft refolv'd, 
If we were wife agatnd fo great a foe 
Contending, and fo doubtful what might fall. 
1 laugh, when thofc who at the fpear nre bold 
And vent'rous, if that fiil'them. flirinV, and fear, 20^ 
What yet they know muft follow, to endure". 
Eiile or ignominy', or bonds, or pain, 
The fentencc of their conqu'ror : this is now 
Our doom ; which if we can fuftain and bear. 
Our fuprerae foe in time may much remit 219 

His anger ; and perhaps thus far remov*d. 
No: mind us not offending, fatisfi'd 
With what is puniih'd ; whence thefe raging fires 
Will fl.icken, if his breath ftir not their flames. 
Our purer eflence then will overcome 215 

Their noxious vapour ; or inur'd, not feel ; 
Or changM at length, and to the place conformed 
In temper, and in nature, wmII receive 
Familiar the fierce heat, and void of pain ; 
This horror will grow mild, this durknefs light ; 220 
Befides what hope the never ending flight 
Of future days niny bring* what chance, what change 
Worth waiting ? fince our prcfent lot appears 
For hiippy, though hut ill \ for ill, not worft 5 
J f we procure not to ourfelves more >Not. tx^ 

Thus Belid with words cloUi'4 wvit-Lt^)tf s^x^ 



nit. PARADISE LOST. 4? 

ifell'd ignoble eafe, and peaceful flothy 41' 

peace ; and after him thus Mamznotkfpake* 
ihcr to difenthrone the King ot heair*n 
var, if war be beft, or to regain 23# 

own right loft ; him to unthrone we then 
hope, when everlafting Fate (hall yield 
ickle Chance,, and Chaos judge the ilrife : 
former vain to hope, argues as vain 
latter : for what place can I»e for us ^35* 

lin heav'n's bounds, unlefsheav'n's Lord fuprcme 
>verpow*r ? Snppofe he (hould relent, 
publiih grace to all, on promife made 
ew fubjedlion ; with what eyes could we 
d in his prefcnce humble, »and receive 240 

I laws impos'd, to celebrate his throne 
I warbled hymns, and to his gocihead fing 
'd Halleluiahs ; while he lordly fits 
envied fov 'reign, and his altar breathes 
irofial odours and ambrofial flowers, 345 

fervile offerings ? This muft be our tafk ^ 

:av*n, this our delight ; how wearifome x 
lity fo fpent in worlhip paid 
horn we hate I Let us not then purfue, 
)rce impoffihle, by leave obtained, 250 

xeptable, though in heav'n, our ftatc 
Icndid vaflalage ; but rather feek 
own good from ourfelves, and from our own 
to oxirfelves, though in this vaft recefs, 
, and to none accountable, preferring ^55 

I liberty before the eafy yoke 
rvile pomp. Our greatnefs wiil appear 
i moft coafpicuous, when great things of iinall» 
2I of hurtful, profp'rous Of adverfe, 
ran create ; and in what place foe'er 260 

vc under ev'il, and work eafe out of pain, 
lugh labour and endurance. - This deep world 
arknefs do we dread ? How oft urn id ft 
k clouds and dark doth Heav'n's all- ruling Sire 
>fe tarefide. his glory unobfcur'd, 26§ 

with the majefty of darknefs round 
rs kis throne ; from whence deep v\\v\tv^^T^ \aMU.. 
Hog their rage, and heav*u refextt\>\^%\idV^. 



4f PARADU5.E LOST. BboKit 

As he our darknefs, cannot we this lieht 

imitate whan we pleafc f This defer t ibil 270 

Wanu nothsr hidden hiftre, gems and gold :. 

Nor want we ikill or art, from whence to raife 

MagnifLcence ; and what can heav'n (how more ? 

Our torments alfo may in length of time 

Become our elements ; tliefe piercing fires . -zjj 

As foft as now fevere, our temper chang'd . , 

Into their temper ; which mult needs remove 

The fenlibirty of pain. All things invite 

To peaceful counfels, and the fettled Ilatef . 

Of order, how in fafety beft we may 28*0 

Compofc our prefent evils, with regard 

Of what we arc, and wlwre ; difmiffing quite 

All thoughts of war. Ye have what I advife. 

lie fcai ce h.id finilh'd, when fuch murmur fill'd - 
IV affembly, as when hollow rocks retain 285 

The found of bluxVring winds, which all night long 
Had roiis'd the fca, now with hoarfe cadence lull 
Seafaring men o'erwatch'd, whofe bark by chance, 
Or pinnace, anchors in a craggy bay 
After the terapeft : fuch applanfe was heard 29c 

As Mammon ended, and his fentence pleas'd, 
Advifmg peace ; for fuch another field 
They dreaded worfe than hell ; fo much the fear 
Of thunder and the fword of Michael 
Wrought ftiil vvirhin them ; and no lefs dcfire 295 
To found this nether empire, which might rife, 
By policy, and long pro^efs of time^ 
In emulation oppolite to HLeav'n. 
Which when Beelzebub perceiv'd, than whom, 
Satan except, none higher fit, with grave 50C 

Afpcrdhe rofe, and in his riii-^.g feem^d 
A pillar of ftate i deep on his front ingravea 
Deliberation fat, and public care ; 
And piincily counfcl in his f.ice yet (lionc, 
Majeftic though in ruin : lage he ftood 30J 

With Atlantean fhoulders fit to bear 
Th^ weight oi' mightieft monarchies ; his look 
Drew au^lience arid attention it'll as uiprht. 
Or fuminer's noou-iide air, \v\u\e ^.K^v^Vve i^Ak^, 



BookII. paradise LOST. 49 

Ethereal virtues ; or thcfe titles now 311" 

Mult vrt renounce, and changing ftyle, be call'd • 
Princes of hell ; for fo the popular vote 
Inclines, here to continue, and build up here 
A growing empire ; dou^itlefs while we dream, 315 
Andlcnow not that th#4^ing of heav'n hath Joom'd 
This place our d^^con ; not our fafc retreat 
Beyond his pcXWit iirm to live exempt 
[ rromheav'n's high jurifdidlion, in new league 
I Banded againft Ijis tiirone ; but to remain. 32^ 

f In llridteil bondage, though thus far removed, 
k Under th' inevitable curb, refervM 
I His captive multitude ; for he, be fure. 

In height or depth, dill firft and laft will reign 
I Sole king, and of his kingdom lofe no part 325 

[ By our revolt ; but over hell extend 
\ His empire! and with iron fceptre rule 
I Us here, as with his golden thofe in heaven. 
' What fit we then projecting, peace and war ? 

War hath determined us, and foil'd with lofs 33» 

Irreparable ;. terms of peace yet none 

VouchfaPd or fought ; for wh;it peace will be giv'n 

To us inffiv'd, but cuftody fevere, 

And ftripes, and arbitrary pumfhrnent 

Infilled ? and what peace can we return, 335 

B Jt to our pow'r, hollility, and hate, 

Uatam'd reluctance, and revenge, though flow. 

Yet ever plotting how the conqueror leaft 

Jfay reapjbis conqueft, and may leaft rejoice; 

In doing what we mod in fuffering feel ? 340 

Nor wiU occafion want, nor Ihall we need 

Wi:h dang'rous expedition to invade 

Heav'n, whofe high walls fear no aflatilt or fiege, 

Or ambuih from the deep. . VVhat if we find 

Some eaficr enterprife ? There is a place, 345 

(If ancient and prophetic fime in heav'n 

Err not), another world, the happy feat 

Of feme new race call'd Man, about this time 

To be created like to us, though lefs 

In pow'r and excellence, but favoured more ■ ^^c^ 

Of him who rules above ; fo was his -wWi 

Fnmouac'd among the gods, and by au oaO[i« 



$0 t^AHADlSE LOST. Book 

That fliook heav'n's whole circumfdrcnce, confirm' 

Thiiher let us bertd all our thoughts, to learn 

What creatures there inhabit, or what mould 

Or flibftancc, how enduM, and what their power. 

And where their weaknefs, how attempted beft, 

By force or fubtlety. Though ^av*n be (hut. 

And heav'n's high Arbitrator fit iecnic: 

In his own ftrength, this place may lie exposed. ; 

The utmotl border of his kingdom, left 

To their defence who hold it : here perhaps 

Some adva:1tageous afl may be atchiev'd 

By fudden onlet, either with hell fire 

To wade his vhole creation j or pofTcfs ; 

All as our owti, and drive, as we were driveUi 

The puny inhabitants ; or if not drive, 

Seduce them to our party, that their Goft 

Mny prove their foe, and "with repenting hand 

Abolifli his o^n works. ITiis would furpafe ; 

Common revenge, and interrupt his joy 

In our confufion, and our joy upraife 

In his difturbance ; when his darling fons, 

Hurl'd headlong to partake with us, fhajl curie 

Their frail original, and fuded hlifs. 

Faded fo foon. Adviftjif this be worth 

Attempting, or to fit in darknefs here 

H.itching vain empires. Thus Beekebub 

Pleaded his dcvilifh counfel, firft devis'd 

By Satan, and in part propos*d : for whence, 

But from the author of all ill, could fpring 

So deep a malice, to confound the race 

Of mankind in one root, and earth with hell 

To mingle and involve, done all to fpite 

The great Creator f But their fpite Uill ferves ; 

His glory to aiigmem. The bold defign 

Pleas'd highly tiiofe infernal ftatcs, and joy 

Sparkled in ail their eyes ; with full afTent 

They vote : wliereathis fpeech lie thus lencws. 

Well have ye ju^g'd, well ended long debate, ^ 
Synod of gods, atid, like to what ye arc, 
Great tii/ngs refolvM, wliich from tlie lowcft deep 
Will once more lift us tip, \ti T^Vtc ot ^«a^ 
l^edrcr our ancient feat •, :p«\wxp^ VoT^cw 



BoorII. paradise L0§T. 51 

Of thofe bright confines whence, with neighboring arms 
And opportune excurfions, we may chance 396 

Reentar heaven ; or clfe in fomc mild zone 
Direll not unvifitcd of hcav'n's fair li;|ht, 
Secure and at the brightening oricnc beam 
Purge off ihis gloom : the fol't d(liciou$ air, 400 

To heal the fear of thofe corrofive fires. 
Shall breathe her balm. But firft whom fliall w« feud 
t In fearch of this new world ; whom ftall we find 
■f Sufficient ? who ihall tempt with wand'ring feet 
I The dark unbottom'd, infinite abyfs, 405 

: And through the palpable obfcure find out 
\ His uncouth way, or fpread his airy flight 
^ Upborne with unJcfatigable wings , • 
4 Over the vaft abrupt, ere he arrive 

The happy ifle ? What ftrcngrh, what art can then 
Suffice, or what evafion bear him fife 411 

Through the Itri^ fenteries and ftation$ thick 
Of Angels watching round ? Here htt had need 
' All circumfpedion, and we now no lefs 

Choice in our fuffrage ; for on whom we fend> 415 
The weight of all and our laft hope relies. 

This faid, he fat ; and expedition held 
His look fulpenfe, awaiting who appeared 
To fecond, or oppofe, or undertake 
The perilous attempt t but all fat mute, 429 

Pond'ring the danger with deep thoughts, and each 
In other's countenance read his own difmay, 
Aftonifh'd. None among the choice and prime 
Of thoie heav*a- warring champions could bs fgund 
So hardy, as to proffer, or accept 425 

Alone the dreadful vpy<<ge } till at laft 
Satan, whom now tranfcendcnt glory rais'd 
Above his fellows, with monarchal pride, 
Confcious of highcft worth, unmovM, thusfpake. 

O progeny of heav'n, empyrial thrones, 43^ 

With rcafon hath deep fiJence and demur 
Seiz'd UB, though undifmai'd ; long is the way 
And hard, that out of hell leads up to light : 
Our prifon ftrong ; this huge convex of fire, 
Oittrageous to devour, immures us ro\it\d ^"^^ 

htiaci'aldi mid ^utcs of burning adamant 
G z 



5« PARADISE LOST. Book U. 

BarrM over Us, prohibit all egrefs. 
-Thefc paOi'd, if ^iny pa(s, the void profound 
C'f uneinrential night receives him next 
Wide gaping, and with utter lofs of being 44a 

Threatens him, plung'd in that abortive gulf. 
If ihence he 'fcape into whatever worldy 
Or unknown region, what remains him Icfs 
Than unknown dangers, and as hard dfcape ? 
Bnt 1 (bould ill become this throne, O peers, 445 
And this imperial fov'reignty, adorn'd " \ ■ 

With fplendour, arxh'd with pow'r, if ought propos'd 
I And judg'd of public moment, in the (hape i 

Of difficulty or danger, could deter 
Mc from aAempting. Wherefore do 1 afliune 45© 
Thefe royalties, and not rcfufc to reign, *' • ' 

Refufing to accept as great a (hare 
Of hazard as of honour, due alike \. 

To him who reigns, and fo much to him due 
Of hazard more, as he above the reft 455 

High honoured fits ? Go therefore, mighty powers, • 
Terror of heav'n, though fall'n ; intend at home^ 
; While here fhall be our home, what btft may eafe 
The prefent mifery, and rcihder hell 
More tolerable; if there be cure or charm, 469 

To refpite, or deceive, or flack the pain ' ' 

Of this ill manfion : intermit no watch 
A gain ft a wakeful foe, while 1 abroad 
Through all the coafts of dark deftrudion feck 
Dcliv'rance for us all : this entcrprifc 465 

None fhall partake with me. Thus faying rofe ■ ' ' 
The monarch, and prevented all reply ; 
. JPrudent, left, from his rcfolutioti rais'd, 
Others among the chief might oflFcr now 
(Certain to be refus'd) what erft they fear'd ; 470 
And fo rcfus'd, might in opinion ft and 
H's rivals ; winning cheap the high repute, 
Which he through hazard huge muft earn. But they 
Dreaded not more th' adventure, than his voice 
Forbidding ; and at once with him they rofe : 475 
Their rifing all at once was as the found 
■ ^f thunder heard remote. 'Vovi'atda Vv\Tt\ iVvt^ bead 
- WiLh awiiil rcv'rcACC prone •, aad as % tS^ 



BooiIL PARADISE LOST. ij 

Extol him f qual to the Higheft in heav?n ; 

Nor failM they to exprefs how much they prais'd^ 48# 

That for the general fafcty he defpis'd 

< Jiis own : for neither do the fpirits damn'd 
Liofe ail their virtue : led bad men (hoiild boaft 
Their fpecious deeds on earth . which glory 'excites," 
Or clofe ambition varnifh'd o'er with zeal. 48c 

Thus they their doubtful confvdtalions dark 
£nded, rejoicing in their m:itchlefs chief : 
As when from mountain tops the dufky clouds 

. Afcending, while the north wind ileeps. o'odpread 
Heaven's. chearful face, the louring element 499 

Scowls o'er the darkened lan^fkip, fnow, or fhower ; 

f . If chance the radiant fun with furewel fweet 
Extends his ev'ning beam, the fields revive. 
The birds their notes renew, and bleating herds 
Atte(| their joy, that hill and valley rings, 49J 

O fhame to men ! devil to devil damn*d 
Firm concord holds, men only difagree 
Of creatures rational, though under hope 
Of hcav'nly grace : and God proclaiming peace^ 
Yet live in hatred, enmity, and ftrife 50© 

Among themfelves, and levy cruel wars, 

e""Wafting the earth, each other to deftroy ; 
As if (which might enduce us to accord) 
Man had not heltifh foes enow befides, 
That, day and night, for his deftnidion wait, '5:05 
The Stygian council thus diflblvM ; and forth 
■ In order came the grand infcmal peers : 
^idflLcame their mighty paramount, and feem'd 
Alone th' antagbnift of heav'n, nor lefs 
Than helps dread emperor, with pomp fuprcme, 510 
And God-like imitated ftate ; him round ' 

r A globe of fiery Seraphim inclosed. 
With bright imblazonry, and horrent arms. 
Then of their feflion ended, they bid cry 

V With trumpets regal found the great refult ; 515 
Tow'ards the four winds four fpeedy Cherubim 
Put to their TOOUths the founding alchemy, 
By herald's voice explained ; the hollow* abyfs 
r Heard iF;ir and wide, and all the hoft. ot \\t\\ 
With dcaf^Dg ihout returned lhcTO\Qud^cc\iffa. ^xq 



^4 PARADISE LOST. Book IL 

Thencemore at eafc their minds, and fome what r^is'd 
Py falfc prefumpt'oiis hope, the ranged powers 
l3i(band, and wanU'ring, each^his feveral way 
Purfues, as inclination or fad choice 
Leads him perplex'd, where he may likelteft find 5^5 
Truce to his reftlefs tfioughts, and entertain 
The ii'kfome hours, till his great chief return* 
Part on the plain, or in the air/ublinje, 
tJpon the wing, or in fwift race contcn<J, 
As at th* Olympian games or Pythian fields ; 530 
Part curb their fiery ileeds, or (bun the goal 
^ivb rapid wheels, or iVont^d brigades form. 
As when, to warn proud cities, war appears 
Wag'd in the troubled fky, and armies rufii 
To battle in the clouds, before each van 53j» 

Prick forth the airy knights and couch their fpears^ 
Till thickeft legions clofe ; with feats of arms 
From eiriier end ctf heav'n the welkin burns^ 
Others, with vaft Typhpe:^n rage more fell. 
Rend up both rocks and hills, and ride the air 54© 
In whirlwind ; Hell foarce holds the wild uproar* 
As when Ale ides, from Oechalia crown'4 
With conqueft, felt th'invenom'd robe, and tore 
Through pain up by the roots Theflalian pines | 
And Lichas from the top of Oeta threw 54J; 

Into th* Luboic fea. Others more mikl^ 
Retreated in a filcnt valley, fing 
With notes angelical to many a harp 
Tlieir own heroic deeds and haplefs fall 
By doom of battle ; and complain that fate J50 

Free virtue fliould inthrall to force or chance. 
lE^eir fongs were partial ;.but the harhiony 
(What could it lefs when fp'rits immortal fing ?) 
Sufpended hell, and took with raviftment 
The thronging audience. In difcourfe more fweet, 55^ 
(For eloquence the foul, fong charms thcfenfe). 
Others apart fat on a hill retir'd, 
In thoughts more elevate, and reafon'd high 
Of providence, foreknowledge, will and fate ; 
Fix* J fute, free wfll, foreknowledge abfolute ; ^6m 
And found no end, in \vand'fn\^Ti\2LX^^\a^^ 
Qfi;o<jd ^ni evil much tbey arju'dvW^^ 



BookIL paradise LOST- 55 

Ofhappinefs and final mifcry, 

Pailion and apathy, and glory' and fhame ; 

Vain wifdom all. and f;ilfe philofophy : $6 J 

Yet, with a pleafmg forcery, could charm 

Pain for a while, or anpavlh, a'^.d excite 

Fallacious hope, or arm th' obdured breaft 

With (lubborn patience, as with triple fteel. 

Another part, in fquadrons and grofs bands, 57* 

On bold adventure to dilcovcr wide 

fhat difmal world, if any clime perhaps 

Might yield them cafici' habit;ition, bend 

Four ways their flying march, along the banks 

Of four infernal rivers, that difgcrge 575 

.Jn^o tht burning lake their baleful ftreams ; 

Abhorred Styx, the flood of deadly hate ; 

Sad Acheron, of forrow, black and deep : 

CocytQs, 'nam^d of lamentation loud 

Heard on the rueful ftreara ; fierce Phlegethon, §$m 

Whofe waves of torrent fire infinme with rage. 

Far off from thefe, a flow and filent dream, • 

"Lethe, the river of oblivion, rolls 

Her wat'ry labyrinth; whereof who drinks, 

Forthwith his former ftate and he'ing forgets, ^%^ 

forgets both joy and grief, pleafure and pain. 

Beyond this flood a frozen continent 

L»ics dark and wild, beat with perpetual fiorms 

Of whirlwind and dire hail, which on firm lind 

Thaws not, but gathers heap, and ruin feenjs 390 

Of ancient pile ; all elfe deep fnow and ice j 

A ^ulph profound, as that Sei bonian bog 

B^wixt Damiataand mount Cafius old, 

Where armies whole have funk : the parching air 

Burns frore» and cold performs th' effeift of fire. 5 95 

Thither by.harpy- footed furies hal'd, 

At certain revolutions, all the damn'd 

Arc brought ; and feel by turns the bitter change 

Of fierce extremes, ertrcmes hy change more fierce ; 

FroTn beds of raging fire to ftarve in ice : Cam 

Their fpft etherial warmth, and there to pine 

Immovea'blc, infix'd, and frozen round. 

Periods tffthne ; thtmcc hurried bacV. \.o feet, 

Thsy ferry over this iethean found 



Sff PARADISE LOST. Book Ih 

Hell born, not to contend with fp'rits of hcay'ri. 

To whom the goblin full of ^rath reply'd. 
Art thou that traitor angel, art thou he, 
Wlio firlf broke peace in hcav'n and faith, till then 
Unbn^ken ; and in proud rebellious arms 691 

Drew after him the third part of heav'n's fons, 
Conjur'd againft the High'eft ; for which both thou 
And they, outcaft from God, are here condemn'd 
*J^o wafte eternal day^ in woe and pain ? 6^g 

And reckoned thou thy fclf with fp'rics of heav*n, 
Hell doomed, and breath'ft defiance here and fcorn^ 
"Where I reign king ; and, to enrage thee itiore^ 
Tliy king and lord ? Back to thy punifhment, 
Falfe fugitive, and to thy fpeed add wings ; 7c# 

JLeft with a whip of fcorpions I purfue 
Thy ling'ring, or with one ftroke of this dart 
Strange horror feize thee', and pangs unfelt before« 

So fpake the grifly terror, and in fhape, 
So fpeaking and fo threatening, grew tenfold 705 
More dreadful and deform. On th' other fide 
Incens'd with indignation Satan ftood 
Unterrify'd ; and like a comet burn'd 
That fires the length of Ophiuchus huge 
In th' ardtic iky, and from his horrid hair 710 

Shakes peftilence and war. Each at the head 
I^eveHM his deadly aim ; their fatal hands 
No fecond ftroke intend ; and fuch a frown 
Each caft at th* other, as when two black clouds. 
With heav'n's artillery fraught; come rattling on 7 15 
Over the Cafpian, the« ftand front to front. 
Hovering a pace, till winds the fignal blow 
To join their dark encounter in mid air : 
80 frown'd the mighty combatants, that hetl 
Grew darker at their frown ; fo match'd they (lood ; 
For never but once more was either like 721 

To meet fo great a foe : and now great deeds 
Had been atchiev'd, whereof all hell had rung, 
Had not the fnaky forcercfs that fat 
Faft by hell- gate, and kept the fatal key, ■ 725 

Kh'n, and with hideous outcry, rulh'd between. 
O father, what intends th^ Vvaivd, ft\t cxVd^ 
'Gamll thy onlj fon ? Whs^t furj* O fcxi^ 



^ooKtL PARADISE LOST. 59 

Po/reHes thee, to bend that mortal dart 

Againft thy father's head? and know'il fcr v-hom ; 730 

For him who fits above, and laughs the whde 

At thee, ordain'd his drudge, to execute 

Whatever his wrath, which he calls juftice, bids ; 

His wrath, which one day will dcftroy ye both. 

She fpake, and as her words the heliifh ptfl 73 J 
Forbore ; tlien thcfe to her Satan return'd. 

So ftrange thy outcry, and thy words Xo (Irange 
Thou interpofeA, that my fudden hand 
Prevented, fpares to tell thee yet by deeds 
What it intends ; till firft I know of thee, 740 

What thing* thou art, thus doubleform'd ; and why« 
In this infernal vale firft met, thou call'ft 

: Jde father, and that phantafm call'/l my fon : 
I know thee not, nor ever faw till now 
Sight jfnpre deteftable than him and thee. 745 

T' whom thus the porjirefs of hell gate rcpli'd. 
Haft thou forgot me then, and do I feem 

-JNJow in thine eye fo foul ? once deem'd fo fair 
Jn heav'n, when at th' Aflcniblyj and in fight 
Of all the Seraphim with thee combin'd 750 

In bold confpiracy againd heav'n's King, 
All on a fudden miferable p^in 

-Surprised thee,. dim thine eyes, and dizzy fwam 
In datknefs, while thy head Hapies thick and faft 
Threw forth ; till on the left fide op'ning wide, 755 
Likeft to thee in Ihape and count'nance bright, 
Then ihining heav'nly fair, a godd:fs arm'd, 

-pat of thy head I fprung : amazement feiz'd 
All th' hoft of heav'n ; back they recoiPd, afraid 
At firil, and call'd me Sin, and for a fign 769 

Portentous held me ; but familiar grown, 
I pleasM, and with attradive graces won 
The moftaverfe, thee chiefly, who full oft 
Thyfelf in me tl^y per fed image viewing, 
Becam'd enamour'd, and fuch joy thou took'ft 765 
With me infecret, that my womb conceiv'd 
A growing burden. Mean while war arofe, 

.And fields 3vcre fought in heav'n ; wherein remained ^ 
( For what could elfc I) to our Almight-y Yot 

Clear vi^ory ; to oar part lofs and ro\U, •j'V* 

C z 



6o PARADISE LOST. Book II. 

Throngh all the empyrean, down they fell, 

Driven headlong from the pitch of heav'ri, down 

Into this deep ; and m the general fall 

I alfo ; at which time this powerful key 

Into my hand was giv'n, with charge to keep 77J 

Thefe gates for ever (hut, which none can paifs ' 

.Without my opening. Penfive here I fat 

Alone ; but long I fat not, till my wortib 

pregnant by thee, and now exccflive grown, 

Prodigious motion felt, and rueful throes. ' 7 50 

At laft this odious offspring whom thou feeft, 

Thine own begotten, breaking violent w.iy 

Tore through my entrails, that with fear and pain 

Diftorted, all my n.ether fhape thus grew 

TransformM : but he my inbred enemy 7^^ . 

Forth iffu'd, brandifhing his fatal dart ' * 

Made to dcftroy : i fled, )and cri'd out. Death ; 

Hell trembled at the hideous name, and figh'd 

5From all her caves, and back refounded, Death. 

1 fljd ; but he purfu'd, (though more it feems 730 

Infl.im'd with luft than rage,) and, fwiftcr far. 

Me overtook, his mother, all difmai'd^ 

And in embraces forcible and foul ' 

Engend'ring with me, of that rape begot 

.Thefe yelling monftcrs, that with ceafclefs cry 795 

Surrbiind me, as thou faw'ft, hourly concciv'd 

And hourly born, with forrow infinite 

V To me ; for when they lift, into the womb 
That bred them tliey return, and howl, and gnaw 
My bowels, thtir repaft ; then burfting forth 8od 
Afrefh with confcious terrors vex me round. 
That reft or intermiflion none I find. 

. Before mine eyes in oppofition fits 
Grim Death, my fon and foe : who fet them on, 
And me his parent would full foon devour 805 

For want of other prey, hut that he knows 
His end with mine involved ; and knows that I 
Should prove a bitter morfel, and his bane. 
Whenever that fhall be ; fo Fate pronounc'd. 
JBut rhou, O father, 1 forewarn thee, fhun . 8ip 

Hi's deadly arrow ; neither \a\i\\>f Yvo^^ 

,Tb be /n vulnerable in ihofe bti^Vxx. aVius^ 



SookII. paradise lost. «i 

Though tempered heavenly ; for that mortal dint. 
Save he who reigns above, sonc can refift. 

She finifh'd ; and the fubtle fiend his lore Sif 

jSoon learn'd, now milder, and thus anfwcr'd (month. 

Dear Daughter, fmce thou claim'ft me for thy lire. 
And my fair fon here fkow'ft ine, the dear pledge 
Of dalliance had with thee in heav'n, and joys 
Then fweet, now fad to mention, though dire change 
Be fall'n us, unforefeen, un thought of; know 821 
■ I come no enemy, but to fet free 

From out this dark and difmal houfe of pain 
Both him and thee, and all the hcav'nly hoft 
Of fp'rits, that, in our juft pretences arm'd, 82^ 

Fell with us from on high : from them I go 
This uncouth errand fole ; and one for all 
Myfelf expofe, with lonely fteps to tread 
Th' unfounded deep, and through the void immenfe 
To fearch with wandering queft a place foretold 830 
Should be, and by concurring figns, ere now 
Created, vaft and round ; a place of birth 
In the purlieus of heav'n, and therein plac'd 
A race of upftart creatures, to fupply 
Perhaps our vacant room ; though more remov'd, S^^^ 
Left heav'n furchargM with potent multitude 
Might hap to move new broils. Be this, or ought 
Than this more fecret, now defign'd, I hafte 
To know ; and this once known, (hall foon retnnij 
And bring ye to the place where thou and Death 840 
Shall dwell at eafe, and up and down unfeen 
' Wing filently the buxom air, embalm'd 
With odours ; there ye ihall be fed and fill'd 
Immeafurably, all things (hall be your prey. 

He ceas*d;for both feem*dhighlypleas'd,andDeath 
Grinn'd horrible a ghaf^ly fmile, to hear 846 

His famine fhould be fill'd ; and blefs'd his maw 
Dcftin'd to that good hour : no lefs rejoic'd 
His mother bad, and thus befpake her lire. 

The key of this infernal pit by due, 850 

And by command of heav'n's all- powerful King, 
' I keep, by him forbidden to unlock 
Thefe stdamAntinc gates ; againft aWfotc^ 
Death ready (lands 16^ entcrpofe his daxx^ 



,4Ss ^ IPAilADISE LOST. JBqok fL 

Fearl^ to he o'crmatch'd by living might. S^f 

Bat what owe I to his commands above 

IVho hates me, aijid hath hither thrufl me down 

.Into this gloom of Tartarus profound. 

To fit ia hateful office here confin'd, 

Inhabitant of heav'n, and heav'nly bom> -80« 

Here in perpetual agony and pain, 

With tenors and with clamours compafsM rounds 

Qf mine own brood, that on my bowels feed ? 

Thou art my father, thou my author, thou 

My l>cing gav'ft me ; whom ihould I obey * i6f 

But thee ? whom foUcrw ? thou wilt bring me fooa 

To that new world of light and blifs, among 

The gods who live at eafe, where 1 fhall reign 

At thy right hand volupt'ous, as befeems 

Thy daughter and tliy darling, without end. $1% 

Thus faying, from her fide the fatal key, 
jSad inftrnment of all our woe, fhe took ; 
And tow'ards the gate rolling her-beftial traiHy 
Forthwith the huge portcullis high updrew ; 
Which. but herfclfi not all the Stycjian powers 875 
Could once hiivc mov'd ; then in the key- hole turns' 
Th* intricate wards, and ev'ry bolt and bar 
Of mafly ir'on or folid rock with eafe 
Unfaftens ; on a fuddcn open fly, 
With impetuous recoil and jarring found, '880 

Th* infernal doors, and on their hinges grate 

JHarfh thunder, that the lowed bottom ihook 
Of Erebus. She open'd, but to fliut 
Excelled her pow'r; the gates wide open ftood. 
That with extended wings a banner'd hoft 8Sj 

Under fpread ienfigns marching, might pafs througU 
With.horfe and chariots rank*d in loofe array ; 

.So wide they (lood, and like a furnace- mouih 

Caft. forth redounding fmoke and ruddy flame. 

Before their eyes in fudden view appear 890 

The ferrets of the hoary deep ; a daik 

Llimitahle ocean, without bound. 

Without dimenfion, where length, breadth,and height, 

>\nd time, and plice are loft ; where eldeil Night • 

And CliROf;, anceftors of Namre, Vvo\d 895 



Boo*IL PARADISE LO;St. 6$ 

Of endlcfs wars, ahd by confufion ftand. 
For hot, cold, xnoift, and dry, four champions ficrc^i 
Strive here for maft'iy, and to battle bring 
Their cmbryon atoms ; they around the flng 90<^ 
Of each his fa^ion, in their feveral clans. 
Light arm'd or heavy, fiiarp, fmr)otli, fwift, orflow. 
Swarm populous, unnumbcr'd as tlic fands 
Of Barca or Gyrene's torrid foil. 
Levied to fide with warring winds, and poife gcj 
Their lighter wings. To whom thefe moll adhere^ • 
He rules a moment : Chaos umpire fits. 
And by decition more embroils the fray. 
By which he reigns : next him high arbiter 
Chance governs all. Into his wild abyfs, 9i# 

The womb of nature, and perliaps her grave, 
Of neither fea, nor fhore, nor air, nor fire. 
But all tlicfe in* their pregnant caufes mix'd 
Confus'dly, and whirh thus mud ever fight, 
Unlefsth'' Almighty Maker them ordain 915 

His dark materials to create more worlds ; 
Into this wild abyfs the wary fiend 
Stood on the brink of hell, and lookM a while. 
Pondering his voyage ; for no narrow frith 
He had to crofs. Nor was his ear lefs peal'd 920 
With noifes load and ruinous, (to compare 
Great things wivh fmall), than when Bellona flxtrmS) 
With all her batt'ring engines bent to raife 
Some capital city' ; or lefs than if this frame 
Of heav'n were falling, and thefe elements 925 

In mutiny had from her axle torn 
The ftedfuft earth. At laft his fiil- broad vans 
Hefpreads for flight, and in the fiirging fmoke 
Uplifted fpurns the grounti ; thence many a leagne. 
As in a cloudy chair, afcending rides 950 

Audacious ; but that feat f -Jon failing, meets 
A vaft vacuity : all unawares 
Fluttering his pinions vain, plumb down he drops 
Ten thoufandfaihom deej) ; and to this hour 
Down had^hecn falling, had net by ill chance 935 
Tlie ftrong rebuff of forne tumult'ous cloud, 
IndmSt with fire HTid nitre, hurried him 
As msmy miles alofc : that fury ft ai' x3 , 



tf4 PARADISE LOST: Book It 

Qucnch'd in a boggy Syrtis, neither fea, 
Kor good dry land : nigh found erM. on he fares, 940 
Treading the crude confidence, half on foot, 
Half fly'ing ; behoves him now both oar and fail. 
As when a gryphon, through the wildernefs 
With winged courfe, o'er hill or moory dale, 
Purfues the Arimafpian, who by ftealth 94^ 

• Had from his wakeful cullody purloin'd 
The guarded gold ; fo eagerly the fiend 
0*er bog, or ileep, through (Irait, rough, denfe, or rare, 
With head, hands, wings, or feet, purfues his way ; 
And fwims, or fmks, or wades, or creeps, or flics. 95^ 
At length an univerfal hubbub wild 
Of ftunning founds, and Voices all confused, . 
Borne through the hollow dark, affaults his ear, 
With loudeft vehemence : thither he plies. 
Undaunted to meet there whatever power 955 

Orfpirit of the nethermoft abyfs 
Might in that noife re fide, whom to afk 
Which way the nearell coaft of darknefs lies 
Bord'ring on light ; when ftraight behold the throne 
Of Chaos, and his dark pavilion fpread 960 

Wide on the wafteful deep ; with him enthron'J 
Sat fable- veiled Night, eldeft of things. 
The confort of his reign ; and by them ftood 
Orcus and Ades, and the dreadful name 
Of Demogorgon ; Rumor next, and Chance g6j 
And Tumult, and Confufion all embroil'd. 
And Difcord with a thoufand various mouths. 

To whom Satan turning boldly, thus. Ye pow'rs 
And fpirits of this nethermoft iib}fs. 
Chaos and ancient Night, I come no fpy 970 

With purpofe to explore or to difturb 
The fecrets of your realm ; but by conftraint 
Wand'ring this darkfome defert, as my way 
Lies through your fpacious empire up to light 
Alone, and withoixt guide, half loft, I fcek 975 

What readieft path leads where your gloomy bouads 
Confine with heav'n ; or if f ^me otlicr place, 
I'Voni your dominion won, rh' etliereal King 
J'o/feni's /ately, thither to att'w^ 
I u.ivel ibis profound ; d'utet xeq co\r&x ^^^ 



I 



BooiIL PARADISE LOST. 65 

Diredied, no mean recompenf« it hrin^rs 
" To your behoof; if I that region loft. 
All ufurpation tliciice expelPd, reduce 
To her original darknefs, and your fway, 
{Which is my prefent journey), and once more 985 
Ered the flandard there of ancient Night ; 
Yours be th' advantage all, mine ths rcvenfrc. 
Thus Satan ; and him tlius the anarch old. 
With falt'ring fpeech and vifage uncompos'c!, 
Anfwer'd. 1 know thee, ilranger, who thou art, 99a 
That mighty leading angel, who of late 
Made head againft heav'n*sKing,though overthrown. 
1 iaw, and heard ; for fuch a numerous lioft 
Red not in filence through the frighted deep, 
With ruin upon ruin, rout on rout, 995 

ConiTifion worfe confounded ; and lieav'n- gates 
Pour'd out by millions her victorious bands 
Purfuing. I upon my frontiers here 
Keep relj Jence ; if all I can will ferve 
That little which is left {o to defend, icoo 

Encroach'd on ftill through your inteftine broUs 
Weakening the fceptre of old Night ; firft hell, 
rour dangeon, ftretching far and wide beneatli ; 
Now lately heav'n and earth, another world, 
Hung o'er my realm, linked in a golden chain, IC05 
To that fide heav'n, from whence your legions fell » 
If that way be your walk, you have not far : 
So much the nearer danger ; go, and fpced j 
Havock, and fpoil, and ruin, are my gain. 

He ceas'd ; and Satan ftay'd not to reply, loio 
But glad that now his fea (hould find a ihore, 
Withfre(h alacrity, and force renew'd, 
Springs upward, like a pyramid of fire 
Into the wild expanfe ; and through the (hock 
Of fighting elements, on all fides round lot^ 

Environ'd, wins his way ; harcter bcfet 
And more endangerM, than wlicn Argo.pafsM 
Through Bofphorus, betwixt the ju filing rocks : 
Or when UlyfTes on the larboard fiumn'd 
Charybdis, and by th' oiher whirlpool fteer'd. lox<^ 
So he with diUiculty nnd iabour hard 
II 



66 PARADISE LOST. Book 11. 

Mov'd on ; with difficulty and labour he ; 
But he once pafs'd, foon after, when man fell, 
Strange alteration ! Sin and Death amain 
Following his traft, fuch was the will of Heav'n, 1025 
Pav?d after him a broad and beaten way- 
Over the dark abyfs, whofe boiling gulf 
Tamely endur'd a bridge of wondrous length. 
From hell continu'd, reaching th' utmoft orb 
Of this frail world ; by which the fp'rits perverfe 1030 
"With eafy intercourfe to and fro, 
To tempt or punifti mortals, except whom 
God and good Angels guard by fpecial grace. 

But now at laft the facred influence 
Of light appears, and from the walls of heaven 1035 
Shoots far into the bofom of dim >3ight 
A glimm'ring dawn : here Nature iirft begins 
Her fartheft verge, and Chaos to retire. 
As from her utmoft works a broken foe, 
With tumult lefs, and with lefs hoftile din ; IC40 | 

That Satan with lefs toil, and now with eafe, i 

Wafts on the calmer wave by dubious light, ] 

And like a weather-beaten vefTel holds 
Gladly the port, though fhrouds and tackle torn ; 
Or in the emptier wafte, refembling air, '^45 

Weighs his fprcad wings, at leifure to behold 
IRw oflF th' empyreal heav'n, extended wide 
In circuit, undetermined fquare or round, 
With opal tow'rs, and battlements adorn'd 
Of living fa phi r, once his native feat ; _ lojo 

And faft by, hanging in a golden chain, 
7'hi3 pendent "world, in bignefs as a ftar 
Of fmalleft magnitude, clofe by the moon. 
Thither full fraught with mifchievous revenge, 
Accur&M, and in a curled hour, he hies. 1C55 



End of the Second Book. 



PARADISE LOST, 

BOOK III. 



The Argument. 

Cod Jilting on his throne fie j Satan flying toiuards this 
njJoHdi then ne*wly created; Jhenvs him to the Son ivho 
fat at^is right hand; foretels the fuccefi of Satan in 
perverting mankind ; clean his om)njuJiice and 'wifdom 
from all imputation^ having created vianfree^ and able 
enough to have «withfiood hit tefupter ; yet declares his 
purpofe cf grace t onwards him^ in regard he fell not of 
his o*ivn malice f as did Satan^ but by him feduced The 
Son of God renders praifes to his Father for the mani- 
fejlation of his gracious purpofi to<wards him :. but Cod 
again declares ^ that grace cannot be extended forwards 
wan nxjithout the fatisfafiion of divine jujiice, Man hath 
offended the majejiy of God by afpiring to Godhead; and 
tlyerefore iJiith all his progeny^ devoted to deaths viujt 
die^ unlefs fo7ne or^e can he found fufficient to anfmier for 
his offenccy and undergo his punijioment. ' The Son of 
God freely offers himfelf a rarfo7nfor man : the Father 
accepts him^ ordains his i^icarnationy^pronounces his ex- 
altation above all nafues in heaven and earth; commands 
all the angels to adore him: they obey ; and hymning to 
their harps in full quire^ celebrate the Father and the 
Son* Mean ivhile Satan alights upon the bare convex of 
this nvorld^s outermoji orb ; ivhere 'wandering he firjl 
finds a place -ifince called the lij?ibo of vanity : ^what p^^r- 
fans and things fly up thither : the?ice co7nes to the gate 
cf heaven J defcrihed afccnding by flair s^ and the luaterf 
above the flrma?ncnt that floyj about it : his pajjags 
thence to the orb cfthefun; he f.ndi tlKre U^i:i^ xU 
H 2 



68 PARADISE LOST. Book III 

regent of that orhy hut firji changes himfjslf into tl 
jhape of a 7neaner angel ; and pretending a zealous dt 
Jire to behold the neiv creation^ a?idfnan *whom God ha 
placed bcrcy inquires of him the place of his habit atioi 
find is dire tied : alights firjl on mount Niphates* 

HAIL, holy light, oiFspring of heav'n firft-bon 
Or of th' Eternal coeternal beam ! 
May 1 exprefs thee' unblam'd ? fince God is light, 
And never but in unapproached light 
Dwelt from eternity ; dwelt then in thee. 
Bright efRuence of bright tiTence increatc- 
Or hcar'il thou rather pure ethereal flreamt 
Whofe fountain, who (hall tell? Before the fun. 
Before the hcav'ns thou wcrt, and at the voice 
Of God, as with a mantle didft inveft i 

The ri fmg world of waters dark and deep. 
Won from the void and formlefs infinite. 
Thee I revifit now with bolder wing, 
Efcapld the Stygian pool, though long detain'd 
In that obfcure ibjourn ; while in my flight i 

Through utter and through middle darknefs borne 
With other notes than to th' Orphean lyre, 
J fung of Chaos and eternal Night ; 
Tiiught by the heav'nly Mufe to venture down 
The dark defcent, and up to re-afctnd, : 

Though hard and rare. Thee I revifit fafe. 
And feel thy fov'reign vital lamp ; but thou 
Revifit'fl: not ihefe eyes, that roll in vain 
To find thy piercing ray, and f»;id no dawn ; 
^o thick a drop ferene hath quench'd their orbs, s 
Or dim fuffufion veil'd. • Yet rot the more 
Ceafe I to wander, where the Mufcs haunt 
Clear fpring, or fhady grove, or funny hill, 
Smit with the love of facred fong ; but chief 
Thee, Sion, and the flow'ry brooks beneatli, ^ 

That waft thy hallowed feet, and warb'ling How, 
IJightly I vifit : nor fometinies forgot 
Thofc other two equallM with me in fate, 
iSo were I equaled with them in renown, 
Blind Thamyris, and bVmd !s\xorAviv?»v \ 



JooKin. PARADISE LOST. 69 

And Tirefias, and Phineus, prophets old : 

Then feed on thoughts, that voluntary move 

Harmonious numbers ; as the wakeful bird 

Sings darkling, and in fliadieft covert hid 

Tunes her no<5lumal note. Thus with the year 40 

Seafons return ; but not to me returns 

Day, or the fwcet approach of cv'n or morn, 

Or fight of vernal bloom, or fummer's rofe. 

Or flocks, or herds, or human face divine ; 

But cloud inftcad, and ever during- dark 45 

Surrounds me, from the chearful ways of men 

Gut off, and for the book of knowledge fair 

Prefcnted with an univerfal blank 

Of nature's works, to me expung'd and raz^d, 

Andwifdom at one entrance quite fhut out. 50 

So much the rather thou, celeflial light, 

Shine inward, and the mind through all her powers 

jfradiate, there plant eyes, all mi ft from thence 

*^urge and difperfe, that I may fee and tell 

Of things invifible to mortal ilght. 5^ 

Now, had th' almighty Father from above, 
I'rom the pure empyrean where he fits 
Ijigh thron'd above all height, bent down his eye, 
Jiis own works and their works at once to view : 
About him all the fan^lities of heav'n €0 

Stood thick as ftars, and from his fight received 
Beatitude paft utterance : on his right 
The radiant image of his glory fat, 
His only Son, On earth he firft beheld 
Our two firft parents, yet the only two 6^ 

Of mankind, in the happy garden placM, 
Reaping immortal fruits of joy and love, 
Uninterrupted joy, unrivaiiM love. 
In blilsf j1 folitude. He then furvey'd 
Hell and the gulf between, and Satan there 70 

Coafting the wall of heav'n on this fide night. 
In the dun air fublimc ; and ready now 
To ftoop with wearied uings and willing feet 
On the bare outfide of this world, that lecm'd 
Firm land imbofom*d without firmaineul *, nc 

Vncerfdin which, in ocean or iu air. 



-ya PARADISE LOST. ?ook III. 

Him God beholding from his profpedl high. 
Wherein paft, preient, future, he beholds, 
Thus to his only Son, forefeeing fpake. 

Only begotten Son, feeft thou what rage 80 

Tranfports our adverfary^ whom no bounds 
Prefcrib'd, no bars of hell, nor all the chains 
Heap'd on him there, nor yet the main^abyis 
Wide interrupt, -can hold ; fo bent he feems 
On defperate revenge, thatfliall redound 8^ 

Upon his own rebellious head ? And now 
Through all reftraint broke loofe, he wings his way 
Not far off heav'n, in the precindls of light, 
Direftly tow'ards the new- created world, 
And man there plac'd> with purpofe to tifay 99 

If him by fprce he can deftroy, or worfe 
By fome falfe guile pervert : and (hall pervert ; 
For man will hearken to his gtozing lies. 
And eafily tranfgrefs the fole command, 
Sole pledge of his obedience : fo will fall, ^j 

He, -and his faithlefs progeny. Whofe fault ? 
Whofe but his ov;n ? Ingtatc, he had of me 
All he could have, I made him juft and right, 
Sufficient to have ftood, though free to fall. 
Such I created all th' ethereal powers ico 

And fp'rits, both them who ftood, and them who faii'd; 
' Freely they ftood who ftood, and fell who fell ; 
Not free, what proof could they have giv'n fmcerc 
Of true allegiance, conftant faith or love, 
Where only what they needs muft do appeared, 105 
Not what they would ? what praile could they receive? 
What pleafure I from fuch obedience paid, 
When will and reafon (reaPn alfo is choice) 
Ufelefs and vain, of freedom both defpoil'd. 
Made pafFive both, had ferv'd neceflity, i f o 

Not me ? They, therefore, as to right belonged. 
So were created, nor can juftly' accufe 
Their Maker, or their making, or their fate. 
As if predeftination over-rul'd 

Their will, difpos'd by abfolute decree, 1 15 

Or high /breknowledge. 7'hey themfelves decreed 
Their own revolt, not I ; \i V ^ot-V.^^^^, 



BookIIL paradise LOST. -j 

Foreknowledge had no influence en d.tir fiult, 

Which had no lefs prov'd certain 'JLx"c-r,.i;ir., 

So without lead inipuiic cr ihadc w' c t" lat •, lie 

Or ought by me immv.tably lorsfcen. 

They tr^fpafi, authors to :hen:fs!"es i:^ ?.!!, 

Both what they iuJgc. an J whnt ihtv chu:'-; frij 

I fofm'dthcm free : and tret they m::"t rcm.tir., 

Till they inihral theiruVlves ; I cl:'e rr.j-.i ci.a: -^t i z§ 

Their nature, and rev ke the h'^ h d = :rec 

Unchangeable, cttrn.J, v hich orciairi'd 

Their freedom ; they then.felves crdain'd their {A\. 

The firft fort by ll:cir cvn fug^e it ion i\\\y 

Self. tempted, fclf-iicpi a v'd; n.an fills, Jcceiv'd 130 

By th' other fml : min therefore Ihali nrid grace, 

Th* other none : in mercy' and juitice bcth, 

Through heav'n and earth, fo r^all n;y glory' excel ; 

But mercy, firft and hft, fiiall bri^^hieit fnine. 

Thus while Gcd fpake, anibrofi.il fragrance fiU'd 
All heav'n, and in the bltiTed fp'rits eUcI 1 56 

Senfe of new joy ineffable difTus'd. 
Beyond compare the Son of God was feen 
Mod glorious ; in him all the Father ih.ne 
Subftantially exprefs'd : and in his fa^e 14© 

I>ivine compallion vifible appear'd, 
Love without end, and without meafiire grac?, 
Which uttering, thus he to his Father fpake. 

O Father, gracious was that word which clos'd 
Thyfov'reign fentence,that man ftiouj.i lindgrace; 145 
For which botli hcav'n and earth IIk*!! high txiol 
Thy praifes, with th' innumerable found 
Of hymns and facred fongs, wherewith thy throne 
Incompafs'd fh:di refound thee ever blefj»'d. 
Forfhould man fin:illy be loft ? Ihould man, 150 

Thy creature late fo lov'd, thy yonngeft fon, 
Fall circumvented thus by fraud, though join'd 
With his ovn\ folly ? that be from thee far. 
That far be from thee, Fnther, wlio ait judge 
Of all things made, and jujgtft or.ly right. 155 

Or (hall the aJvcrfary thus obtain 
liis end, and friifiratz thine ? fliaUhe iu\fA 
JHis malice, and thy gooUuefs Ir'mg Vo tiaw^^X^ 



-ya PARADISE LOST. BookIH. 

Or proud return, though to his heavier doom, 

Yet with revenge accomplifh'd, and to hell x6«| 

Drawn after him the whole race of mankind. 

By him corrupted ? or wilt thou thyfelf 

Abolilh thy creation, and unmake 

For him, what for thy glory thou haft made ? 

So {hould thy goodnefs and thy greatnefs both 165 

Be queftion'd and blafphem'd without defence. 

To whom the Great Creator thus reply'd. 
O Son, in whom/my foul hath chief delight. 
Son of my bofom, Son who art alone 
My word, my wifdom, and effeclnal might, 170 

All haft thou fpoken as my thoughts are, all 
As my eternal purpofe hath decreed. 
Man fliall not quite be loft, but fav'd who will ; 
Yet not of will in him, but grace in me 
freely vouchfaPd : once more I will renew 175 

His lapfed pow'rs, though forfeit, and inthrall*d 
By fin to foul exorbitant dcfires ; 
Upheld by me, yet once more he fhall ftand 
On even ground againft his mortal foe ; 
By me upheld, that he may know how frail 180 

His fall'n condition is, and to me owe 
AH his deliv'rance, and to none but me. 
Some I have chofen of peculiar grace, 
Eled above the reft ; fo is n^y will : 
The eaft ftiall hear my call, and oft be warn'd I S5 
Their fmful ftate, and to appeafe betimes 
Th* inccnfed 'Deity, while olFerM grace 
Invites ; for I will clear their fenfcs dark, 
What may fuffice, and foftcn ftony hearts 
To pray, repent, and bring obedience due. 199 

To pray'r, repentance, and obedience due, 
Though but tndeavour'd with fmcere intent. 
Mine ear Ihall not be flow, mine eye not fhut. 
And I will place within them as a guide. 
My umpire Confcience ; whom if they will hear, 195 
Light after light, well us'd, they ftiall attain. 
And to the end per fitting, fafe arrive, j 
.77i/s 7727 Jong fuff 'ranee, and my day of grace, 
They who neglca and fcoin, fti^^lti^iNcc x.-^.^^^ 



/ 



Book III. PARADISE LOST. 71 

But hard be harden'd ; blind be blinded more, 2co 

That they may ftumblc on, and deeper fail ; 

And none but fuch from mercy I exclude. 

But yet all is not done ; man difobeying 

Difloyal breaks his fealty, and fms 

Againft the high fupremacy of heav'n, acg 

Affefting godhead, and fo lofing all, 

Taexpiate his treafon hath n.iught left ; 

But to deftru6lion facred and devote, 

He, with his whole pofterity, muft die ; 

l)lehe, or j J [lice mult ; unlefs f )r him 2 10 

Some other able, and as willing pay 

The rigid fitisfaflion, death f ^r death. 

Say, heavenly p )wVs, where Ihall we find fuch love ? 

Which of ye will be mortiil, to redeem 

Man's mortal crime, and juft th' unjuft to fave ? 215 

Dwells in all heaven chaiity fo dear ? 
He alk'd ; but all the heav'nly quire ftood mute, 

Andfiknce was in heav'n : on man's behalf 

fttron or interceflbr none appeared, 
[ Much lefs that durft upon his own head dra^ 2 20 

The deadly forfeiture* and ranfom fet. 

And now without redemption all mankind 

Muft have been loft, adjudged to death and hell 
Bj doom fcverc, had not the Son of God, 
In whom the fulnefs dwells of love divine, ' 225 
His deareft mediation thus renew'd. 

Father, thy word is paft, man fhall find grace ; 
And Ihall grace not find means, that finds her way. 
The fpcedieft of thy winged mefTengers, 
To vifit all thy creatures, and to all 23a 

Comes unpre Vented, unimplor'd, unfought? 
Happy for man, fo coming : he her aid 
Can never feek, once dead in fins, and loft j 
Atonement for himfclf, or offering meet. 
Indebted and undone, h;ith none to bring. 235 

Behold me then ; me for Him, life for life 
I oflFer ; on me let thine anger fall : 
Account me man ; I for his fake will leave 
Thy bofom, and his glory next to thee 
VreeJy pat off, and for him laftly die ^a^ 

1 



72 PARADISE LOST, Book IIL 

•/ 
Well pleas'd : on me let Death wreak all his rage : 
Under his gloomy pow'r 1 (hall not long 
Lie vanquilh'd ; "thou haft giv'n me to poffefs 
Life in myfeli' for ever ; by thee 1 live^ 
Though now to Death I yield, and am his due 245 
All that of me can die ; yet, that debt paid. 
Thou wilt net leave me in the loathfome grave 
His prey, cor fuHcr my unfpotted foul 
For ever with. corruption there to dwell; ' 

But I ftiiill rife victorious, and fubdue 25c 

My vaiiquilher, fpoii'd of his vaunted fpoil ; 
Dcaih his death's wound (hail then receive, and ftoop 
Inglorious, of hij» niortal fling difarm'd. 
I through the ample air, in triumph high 
Shall lead hell captive, maugrc hell, and fhcw 255 
The pow'rs of darkuefs bound. Thou at the fight 
Pleas'd, out of heaven llialt look down, and fmile ; 
While, by ihce rais'd, I ruin all my foes. 
Death lall, and with his carcafe glut the grave 5 
llien, with the multitude ot my redeemed 260 

Shall enter heav'n, long abfent, 'diid return. 
Father, to fee thy face, wherein no cloud 
Of anger Ihall remain, but peace afTur'd, 
And reconcilement ; vrath Ihall be no more • 
Thenceforth, but in thy prefence joy entire. 265 

His words here ended, but his meek afpe^ 
Silent yet fpake, and breathed immortal love 
To mortal men, above which only fhone 
Filial obedience : as a facrifice 

Glad to be oflPer'd, he attends the will 270 

Of his great Father. Admiration feiz'd 
All hea/'n, what this might mean, and whither tend 
Wond'ring ; but foon th' Almighty thus reply'd. 

O thou in heav'n and eartli the only peace 
Found out for mankind under wrath ! O thou 275 
My foul complacence I well thou kaow'ft how dear 
To me are all my works ; nor man the lead. 
Though Lift created ; that for him i fpare 
Thee from my bofoni and right hand, to fave, 
By lofmg thee a while, the whole race loft. zSm 

Tbou therefore, whom Uiouoxi^ ^;^Mi&.i^<i^wcv> 



JookIII. paradise LOST. 73 

Their nature alfo to thy nature join : 
And be thyfelf roan among men on earthy 
Made flcfli, when time, of virgin feed. 
By wondrous birth : be thou in Adam's room 285 
The head of all mankind, though Adam's fon. 
As in him perifh all men, fo in thee. 
As from a fecond root, (halite reftor'd 
As many as arereftor'd, without thee none. 
His crime makes guilty all his fons ; thy merit 290 
Imputed fhall abfolre them who renounce 
Their own both righteous and unrighteous deeds. 
And live in thee tranfplanted, and from thee 
Keccive new life. So man, as is mod juft, 
. Shall fatisfy for man, be judgM, and die, 295 

And dying rife, and rifmg with him ralfe 
.His brethren, ranfom'd wiih his own d^ar life. 
So heav'nly love fliall outdo hellifli hate, 
Giving to death, and dying to redeem, 
So dearly to redeem, what hellifli hate 3CQ 

' So eafdy deftroy'd, and ftill deftroys 
h thofe who, when they may, accept not grace. 
/ Nor fhalt thou, by defcending to aflume 
I Man's nature, Uflcn or degrade thine own. 
r Bccaufe thou haft, though thron'd in higheft blifs, 305 
Equal to God and equally enjoying 
God- like fruition, quitted all, to fave "* 

A world from utter lofs, and haft been found 
By merit more than birthright Son of God, 
Found wor^lhieft to be fo by being good, 3 im 

Far more than great or high ; becaufe in thee . 
Love hath abounded more than glory' abounds ; 
Therefore thy, humiliation fhall exalt 
With thee thy manhood alfo to this thmne ; 
Here (halt thou fit incarnate, here flialt reign 315 
Both God and man, Son both of God and man, 
Anointed univerfal KrNG ; all power 
I give thee ; reign for ever, and afTume 
lliy merits ; under thee, as head fupreme, 
llirones, princedoms, pow'rs, dominions, I reduce : 
All knees to thee {hnU bow, of them that b\dt *^1\ 
la heaven/ or earth, or under earth mhcW. 
i 2 



^4 PARADISE LOST. Book] 

When thou attended glorioufly from hcav'n 
Sh.ilt in the iky appear, and from thee fend 
The furnmoiihig archangels to proclaim 
1 hy dread tribunal ; forthwith from all winds^ 
The living, and forthwith the cited dead 

- Of all palt ages, to the general doom 

Shall h.iften ; fuch a peal fhall roufe their fleep. 
Then all til y faints afTembled, thou (halt judge 
Bad men and angels ; they arraign'o (hall (ink 
Beneath thy fentence ; hell, her numbers full, 
Thenceforth (hall be fo^-cver fhut. Mean while 
The world (hall burn, and from her afhes fpring 
New heav'n and earth, wherein the juft Ihall dwell 
And after all their tribulations long, 
See golden days, fruitful of golden deeds, 
With joy and love triumphing, and fair truth. 
Then thou thy regal fceptre malt lay by, ' 
For regal iceptre then no more ihall need, 
God ih?ill be all in all. But all ye gods 
Adore him, who to compafs all this, dies ; 
Adore the Son, and honour h^m as me. 

No fooner had th' x\l mighty ceas'd, hut all 
The multitude of Angcts, wiih a fhout 
Loud as from numbers without numb:r, fweet 
As from blelsM voices, uttering joy, heav'n runj 
With ju))il'e, and loud hofannas fill'd 
Th* eternal egions. Lowly reverent, 
Tow'ards either throne thy bow, and to the groi 
With folemn adoration down they caft 
Their crowns, inwove with amarant and gold ; 
Immortal amarant, a flow'r which once 
In Paradife, faft by the tree of life. 
Began 4o bloom x but foon for man's offence 
To heaven remov\l. \\here firft it grew, there gro 
And flowers aloft {hiding the fount of life, 
And where the river of blifs through midft of hea 
- Rolls o'er Llyfian flow'rs her amber llream : 
With thefe thiit never fade, the fp'rits ele<3: 
Bind their refplendent locks, inwreath'd with bear 
Now in /oojfegarlnnds thick ihrowtv off^ the brigh 

Pavement, that like a fea of ia%x ttv<^iv^^ 



m. PAIIAI>ISE LOST. T5 

pled with cclcftial rofcs fmil'd. 
:rown*d again, their golden harps they took; 
ever tun'd, that glittering l»y their fide 366 
uivers hung, and with preamble fwcct 
rming fymphony they introduce 
facred fong, and waken raptures high ; 
ce exempt, no voice but well could join 37» 
ous part, fuch concord is in heav'n, 
5, Father, firft ihey fung omnipotent, 
;able, immortal, infinite, 
1 King ; thee, author of all being, 
lin of light, tliyfelf invifible 375 

I the glorious brightnefs where thou fitt'ft 
*d inacceflible, but when thou (had'ft 
ill blaze of thy beams, and throu;^',h a cloud 
1 round above thee like a radiant fhrine 
w^ith exceffive bright thy ikirts appear ; 380 

.zzle heav*n, that bnghteft Seraphim 
)ach not, but with both wings veil their eyes. 
icxt they fang of all creation firft, 
ten Son, divine fimilirude, 
)fe confpicuQus countenance, w'tliout cloud 385 
vifible, th* Almighty Father fhines, 
I clfe no creature can behold ; on thee 
fsM th' effulgence of his glory* abides, 
m'd on thee his ample Spirit refls. 
iv'n of heav'ns, and all the pow'rs therein, 390 
c created ; and by tliee threw down 
piring domination : thou that day 
ather's dreadful thunder didft not fpare, 
)p thy flaming chariot- whefck,- that fliook 
I's evcrlafting frame, while o'er the necks 39^ 
Irov'Il of warring angels difarray'd. 
rom purfuit thy pow'rs with loud acclaim 
>nly extoird, Son of thy Father's might, 
cute fierce vengeance on his foes, 
on man ; him through their malice fall'n, 40Q 
of mercy' and grace, thou didft not doom 
flly, but much more to pity inclin'd : 
►ner did thy dear and only Son 
e thcc purpo!,'d not to doom fc^iV mwv 



76 PARADISE LOST. Book HI. 

A violent crofs wind from either coaft 

Blows them tranfvcrfc, ten thoufand leaguet awry 

Into the devious air : then might ye fee 

Cowls, hoods, and habit's, with their wearers, toft, 

And fluttered into rags ; then relics, beads, 491 ^ 

Indulgences, difpenfes, pardons, bulls, 

7"he fport of winds : all thefe tipwhirl'd aloft 

Fly o'er tfie backfidc of the world far oft 

Into a limbo large and broad, fince calPd 49J 

ITie Paradife of Fools, to few unknown, 

I^ong after, now unpeopled, and untrod. 

All this dark globe the fiend found as he pafsM j 

And long he wandered, till at laft a gleam 

Of dawning light lurn'd thitherward in hafte 50O 

His travelled iteps ; far diftant he dcfcries, 

Afccnding by degrees magnificent 

Up to the wall of heav'n, a Iti iidure hfgh ; 

At top wherev)f, but far more rich, appeared 

' The work as of a kingly palace gate, 50^ 

With frontiipiecc of diamond and gold 
Embellifh'd : thick with fparkling orient gems 
The portal (hone, inimitable on earth 
By model, or by fhading pencil drawn. 
The ftairs were fuch as whereon Jacob faw ^i« 

Angels afcending and liefcending, bands 
Of guardians bright, when he from Efau fled 
To Padan- Aram, in the field of Luz 
Dreaming by night under the open (ky. 
And waking cry'd, This is tlie gate of heav'n. 51 j 
Each ftair myfterioufly was meant, nor ftood 
There always, but drawn up to heav'n fometiracs 
Viewlefs ; and imdcrneath a bright fea flow'd 
Of j.ifper, or of liquid pearl, whereon 
Wno after came from earth, failing arriir'd JJO 

Wafted by angels, or flew o'er the lake 
Rapt in a chariot drawn by fiery fl:eeds. - 
The ftairs were then let down, whether to dare 
Th' fiend by eafy alcent, or aggravate 
His fad exclufion from the doors of blifs : r^ ? 

I^Ired ag:iin{i which open'd from beneath, 

Ju/t o'er ihQ bliliiul feat of PaxjLNAVJc, 



IIL PARADISE LOST. ?» 

ige down to th' earth, a paflage wide, 
by far than that of after times 
Qount Sion, and, though that were large 530 
he promised land to Gk)D fo dear ; 
ich, to vifit oft thofe happy tribes, 
;b behefts, his angels to and fro 
frequent, and his eye with choice regard 
Paneas, the fount of Jordan's flood, 5^ j 

erfaba, where the holy land 
s on Egypt and th' Arabian fliore ; 
e the op'ning feem'd, where bounds were fet 
khefif, fuch as bouqd the ocean- wave, 
from hence, now on the lower flair, 540 

bal'd by fteps of gold to heaven gate, 
down with wonder at the fudden view 
lWs world at once. As when a fcout 
^h dark and defert ways with peril gone 
;ht, at laft by break of chearful dawn 545 

s the brow of fome high climbing hill, 
to his eye difcovers unaware 
>odly profped of fome foreign land 
en, or fome renown'd metropolis 
jUft'ring fpires and pinnacles adom'd, 556 
now the rifmg fun gilds with his beams : 
'onder feiz'd, though after heav'n feen, 
Vit malign, but much more envy feiz'd, 
it of all this world beheld fo fair, 
he furveys (and well might, where he (lood SSS 
!i above the circling canopy 
ht^s extended fhade) from eaftern point ^ 

ra, to the fleecy (lar that bears 
meda far off Atlantic feas, 
i th* horizon ; then from pole to pole 560 
ws in brdadth ; and without longer paufe 
ight into the world's firft region throws 
^ht precipitant, and winds with eafe 
yh the pure marble air his oblique way, 
yft innumerable ftars, that (hone 565 

iftant, but nigh hand feem'd other worlds i 
er worlds they feem'd, or happy ifles, 
wfs Hefpcridn gardens fam'd of o\d% 
K 



So PARADISE LOST. BooxU 

ForUinate fields, and groves, and flow'ry vales ; 
Thrice happy ifles ; but who dwelt happy there 5 
He (lay'd not to enquire. Above them all 
The golden fun, in fplendour likeft heaven, 
AUur'd his eye ; thither his courfe he bends 
Through the calm firmament, (but up or down. 
By center, or eccentric? hard to tell, 5 

Or longitude), where the great luminary 
Aloof the vulgar conftellations thick, 
That from his lordly eye keep diftance due, 
Difpenfes light from far ; they as they move 
Their fiarry dance in numbers that compute 5 
Days, month s, and years, to w'ards his all- chearmgla] 
Turn (wift tlieir various motions, or are turned 
By his magnetic beam, that gently warms 
The univerfe, and to each inward part 
With gentle penetration, though unfeen, j 

Shoots invifitJe virtue ev'n to the deep ; 
So wond'rouUy was fet his ftation bright. 
There lands the fiend, a fpot like which perhaps 
Aftronomer in the fun's lucent orb 
Through his glaz'd optic tube yet never faw. j 
The place he found beyond expreflion bright. 
Compared with ought on earth, metal or ftone ; 
Not all parts like, but all alike inform'd 
With radiant light, as glowing ir'on w^ith fire : 
If metal, part feem'd gold, part filver clear ; j 
If (lone., carbuncle moft or cryfolite. 
Ruby or topaz, to the twelve that fhone 
In Aaron's breaftplate, and a flone befides 
Imagin'd rather oft than elfewhere feen ; 
That ftone, or like to that which here below ( 

Pbilofophers in vain fo long have fought. 
In vain, though by their pow'rftil art they bind 
Volatile Hermes, and call up unbound 
In various fhapes old Proteus from the fea, 
Drain'd through a limbec to his native form. i 
What wonder then if fields and regions here 
Breathe forth elixir pure, and rivers run 
Potable gold, when with one virt'ous touch 
^'A^arcb'chcmk fun, fo far ftom us remote* 



BooiIIL PARADISE LOST. Si 

Froducesy with tCTTcIlriil bumDor m'l'd, 6 . 3 

Herein the dark lo niir-v -lyrcz'c^is :r."r.^5 
Of colour glcri^us, aai ciJjci f? r^re : 
Here matter new lo gaze the d-:T:l n;r: 
Undazzled ; fjtr and wiJr his eye cc rr.mands : 
For fight no obilads x'ouid h-re, r.:?r iLaie, 615 

But all f'ln ftine. as when fcis hsanis ai nc»:a 
Culminate from :h* eq-aaror, a» :h?T new 
Shoi upward ftill direct, whin re - ? w^y ro-.:nd 
Shado«r from bow^j' opaque can tiA ; an J :h' a'r. 
No where fo clear, tharpen'J his vji'iil ray 6-« 

To objects diilant lor, whsrc'ry h; ijrn 
Saw within ken a glorious an:;^! .'tani, 
The fame whom John law alio in :hc ran ; 
His back was turn'd. bu: niL his brightnsis hid ; 
Of beaming funny rays a goldfn tiar 625 

Circled his head, nor l;is his locks b:rhind 
Olafhious on his (houlders ^cdgc wi:h wings 
Lay waving round ; on ibmc great charge employ 'd 
"cfccm'd, or iii'd in cogitation deep. 
Glad was the fp'rit impurey as now in hope 630 

To find who might direct his wand 'ring flight 
To paradife, the happy feat of man. 
His journey's end, and our beginning woe. 
But firll he cafts to change his proper (hape, 
Which elfe might work him danger 01 delay : 635 
And now a ftripLng Cherub he appears. 
Not of the prime, yet fuch as in his face 
Youth fmil'd celeftial, and to evVy limb 
Suitable grace difFiis'd, fo well he fcignM : 
Under a coronet his flowing hair 640 

In curls on eidier cheek play'd ; wings he wore 
Of many a coloured plume, fprinkled with gold ; 
His habit fit for fpeed fuccinct, and held 
Before his decent fteps a filver wand. 
He drew not nigh unheard ; the angel bright . 645 
Ere he drew nigh, his radiant vifage turn'd, 
AdmonifliM by his e;ir, and ftraight was known 
Th* archangel Uriel, one of the feven 
Who' in God's prefcncc, neareft to his tlironei 
Stand ready at command, and are \\is e'^c^ t^% 

K 2 



t2 PARADISE LOST. BookII 

That nin through all the heav'ns, or down to th' car 
Bear his fwift errands, over moid and dry, 
O'er (ea and land ; him Satan thus accods. 

Uriel, for thou of ihofe fev*n fp'rits th^ ftand 
In fight of Qod's high throne, glorioufly bright, 6 
The iirft arc wont his great authentic will 
Interpreter through higheft heav'n to bring, - 
Where all his fons thy embafly attend ; 
And here irt likelieft by fupreme decree 
Like honour to obtain ; and as his eye, 6( 

To vifit oft this new creation round ; 
Unfpeakable defire to fee, and know 
All thefe his wondroiis works, but chiefly man. 
His chief delight and favour, him for whom 
All thefe his works fo wondrous he ordain'd, 6i 
Hath brought me from the quires of Cherubim 
Alone thus wand'ring. Erighteft feraph, tell 
In which of all thefe (hining* orbs hath man 
His fixed feat, or fixed feat hath none^ 
But all thefe fhining orbs his choice to dwell ; & 
That I may find him, and with fecret gaze 
Or open admiration him behold, 
On whom the great Creator hath beftow'd 
Worlds, and on whom hath all thefe graces pourM ; 
That both in him and all things, as is meet, 6 

The univcrial Maker we may praife ; 
Who juftly hath driv'n out his ret?l foes 
To deepeft hell, and, to repair that lofs. 
Created this new happy race of men 
To ferve him better : wife are all his ways. 6 

So fpake the falfe diffemblerunperceiv'd ; . 
For neither man nor angel can difcern 
Hypocrify, the only evil that walks 
Invifible, except to God alone. 
By his permiffive will, through heav'n and earth : 6 
And oft though wifdom wake, fufpicion fleeps 
At wifdom's gates, and to Simplicity 
Refighs her charge, while goodncfs thinks no ill 
Where no ill fecms, which now for once beguil'd 
Uriel, though regent of the fun, and held 6 

TJic /Zuirpcft-CghtcdfpVvt. o£s\V\ti\i^v«'tL\ 



Booilll. PARADISE LOST. 83 

Who to the fradulent impnftor foul. 
In his nprightnefs anlwer thai rctumM. 

Fair Angel, thy defire which tends to know 
The works of God, thereby to glorify 695 

The great work- malter, leads to no ercefs 
That reaches bLune, but rather merits praife 
The more it feems excefs, that led thee hither 
From thy impereal maniion thus alone, 
To witnefs with thine eyes what fome perhaps, 700 
Contented with report, Iiear only in heav'n ; 
For wonderful indeed are all his works, 
Pleafant to know, and worthiell to be all 
Had in reniembrance always with delight ; 
JBut what created mind can comprehend 705 

Their number, or the wifdoni infinite 
That brought them forth, but hid their caufes deep ? 
Ifaw when at his word the formlefs mafs, 
This world's material mould, came to a heap : 
Confufion heard his voice, and wild uproar 710 

Stood rul'd, ftood vaft infinitude confin'd ; 
Till at his fecond bidding darknefs fled. 
Light (hone, and order from diforder fprung : 
Swift to their feveral quarters hailed then 
The cumbrous elements, earth, flood, air, fire, 715 
And this ethereal quinteiTcncc of heaven 
Flew upward, fpirited with various forms. 
That roU'd orbicular, ami turn'd to ftars 
Numberlefs, as thou feelt, and how they move ; 
Each had his place appointed, each his courfe ; 720 
The reft in circuit wall this univerfe. 
Look downward on that globe, whofe hither Cidc^ 
With light from hence, though but reflefted, Ihines ; 
That place is earth, the feat of man ; that light 
His day, which ellc, as ih' olh-r hemifphere, 725 
Night would invade ; but there the neighb'ring moon 
(So call that oppofite fair flar) her aid ■ 
Timely' interpofes, and her monthly round 
Still ending, ftill renewing, through mid heav'n. 
With borrnw'd light her countenance triform 7J0 
Hence fills, and en)pties, to enlighten th' earthy 
And in her psk dominion checks ih^ ux^X* 



t4 PARADISE LOST. Book IlL 

That fpot to which I point is Paradife, 

Adam's abode, thofe lofty (hades his bower ; 

Thy way thou canft not mifs, me mine requires. 735 

Thus faid, he tumM ; and Satan bowing low, 
As to fupcrior fp'rits is wont in heaven 
Where honour due and rev'rence none negle<5ls. 
Took leave, and tow'ard the coaft of earth beneath, 
Down from th' ecliptic, fped with hop'd fuccefs, 740 
Throws his deep flight in many an airy wheel ; 
Nor Ilay'd, till on Niphates' top he lights. 



Eno of tub Third BO01U 



PARADISE LOST. 

BOOK IV. 

The Argument. 

Satan nonu In profpe£l ofEden^ and tiigh the place 'where 
be mufi nonu atte^npt the hold enter prife nvhich he under^ 
took alone againjl God andniaii^falb into wany doubt* 
ivith hhfifeifi and many paffionsy fear ^ envy and de/pair; 
hut at length confirms himfelfin evil, journeys on to Pa- 
radifcy'oahofe outnuard profpeil andfitttatton is dcfirihedy 
overleaps the bounds. Jits in the Jh ape of a cormorant on 
the tree of life ^ as higheji in the garden^ to look about 
him. The garden defcrihed; Satan^sfirjl fight ofjidam 
end Jj^if ; hii fwonder at their excellent forfn and happy 

. Jlatei hut nxjith rcfolution to wjork their fall ; overhears 
their difcourfey thence gathers that the tree of knonjoledge 
luas forbidden them to eat of under pcfialty of death j 
and thereon intends to found his tempi at ion ^ by feducing 
thern to iranfgrcfs : then leaves thetn a ixihile^ to kiionu 
further of their fate byfoms other ffieans. Aiean nvhile 
Uriel defending on a fun beaniy 'warns Gabriel^ *who 
bad in charge the gate of Paradife^ that f we evilfpirit 
bad efcaped the deepy and pajpid at noon by his fphere in 
the Ji)ape of a good angel do^wn to paradifij difcoverei 
after by his furious gefures in the mou?it» Gabriel 
fromifes to find him ere morning. Night coming on^ 
jidam and Eve difcourfs of going to their reji: their bcw* 
tr defcrihed ; their €veni?;g nsjor/hip, Calriel dro'wing 
forth his bands ofriight-nuatch to 'walk the r^und of 
Paradifci appoints tnuofrong angels to Adam^s ho^er^ 
leji the evil fpirit fiould be there doing harm to Adam 
9r Evefieeping ; there they find him at the ear of Eve 
tempting her in a dreatn^ and bring him^ though uniuii- 



H PARADISE LOST. Book Itl 

iingj to Gabriel ; by 'whom quejlionedy he fcornfully an 
fmttrs : prepares rcfiftance, but hindered by ajign froi 
heaven^ flies out of Paradife* ^ ♦ 

OFor that warning voice, which Uc who faw 
Th' Apocalyps heard cry in heav*n aloud, 
Then when the Dragon, put to fecond rout, 
CaAe furious down to be reveng'd on men. 
Woe to th* inhabitants on earth / that nowj^ 
While time was, our firft parents had been warn'd • 
The coming of their fecret foe, and 'fcapM, 
Haply fo 'fcap'd his mortal faare : {or now 
Satan, nowfirft inflam'd \yith rage, came downi, 
The tempter ere th' accufcr of mankind, t 

To wreak on innocent frail man his lofs 
Of that firft battle, and his flight to hell : 
Yet not rejoicing in his fpced, though bold, 
Far off, andfearlefs, nor with'caufc to boalt. 
Begins his dire attempt ; which nigh the birth i 
Now rolling boils in* his tumult'ous breaft ; 
And like a devilifh engine back recoils 
Upon himfelf : horror and doubt diflra(fl * 

His troubled thoughts, and from tho. bottom ftir 
The hell within him ; for within him hell ii 

He brings, and round about h*im, not from hell 
One ftep, no more than from himfelf, can fly 
By change of place : now confcience wakes dcfpair. 
That fluniber'd ; wakes the bitter memory 
Of what he was, what is, and what mud be 2 

Worfe ; of worfe deeds worfe fuiFerings mud enfue. 
Sometimes tow'ards Eden, which now in his view 
L.ay pleafant, his grievM look he fixes fad j 
Sometimes tow'ard heav'n and the full blazing fun, 
Which now fat hig'*'. in his meridian tower : ^ 

Then much revolving, thus in fighs began. 

O thou that, with furpaflinir glory crown'd, , 
Look'ftfrom thy foie dominion like i]ie god 
Of this new world : at whofe fight all tiie ftars. 
Hide their diminiOi'd bends ; to thee I call, 3 

Bat with no friendly, voice, and add thy name, 
Ofun, tofeJJthcehow I hai^ l\^7 bt^ims. 



y. PARADISE LOST. tj 

ring to mj remembrance from that (late 
low glorious once above thy fphere ; 
de, and worfe ambition^ threw me down» 40 
igin heav'n againft heav'n's matchlefs King, 
erefore ! htf deferv'd no fuch return 
ne, whom he created what I was, 
bright eminence, and with his good 
ded none ; nor was his fervice hard. 45 

:ould belefs, than to afford him praiie^ 
fieft recompenfe, and pay him thanjcs, 
ue ! yet all his good prov'd ill in me, 
rought but malice ; lifted up fo high 
id fubjeftion, and thought one ftep higher 5© 
fet me high'eft, and in a moment quit 
bt immenfe of endlefs gratitude, 
denfome dill paying, ftill to owe, 
ful what from him I ftill receiv'd ; 
nderftopd not that a grateful mind §ji 

ng owes not, but ftill pays, aj once 
ed. and difcharg'd ; what burden then ? 
his pow'rful deftiny ordairi'd 
rie inferior angel, I had ftood 
lappy ; no unbounded hope had rais'd 60 

ion. Yet, why not? fome other power 
at might have afpir'd, and me though mean 
, to his part : but other pow'rs as great 
t, but ftand unihaken, from within 
n without, to all temptations arm'd. 6^ 

thou the fame free will and pow'r to -ftand ? 
ladft. Whom haft thou then, or wh^t t' accufe, 
av'n's free love, dealt equally all ? 
n his love accurs'd, fmce love or hate, 
alike, it deals eternal woe. 70 

urs'd be thou ; fince againft his thy will 
freely what it now fo juftly rues, 
ierable ! wliich way fhall I fly 
s wrath, and infinite defpairf. 
way I fly is hell 5 myfelf am hell ; f^ 

n the loweft deep, a lower deep 
ireat'ning to devour me bpens wide, 
\ich the hell I fuffcr feems ahea.Vii« 
I- 



18 PARADISE LOST. Book IV. 

O then at laft relent : is there no place 

Left for repentance, none for pardon left ? 80 . 

None left but by fubmiifion ; and that word 

Difdain forbids me, and my dread of (hame 

Among the fp'rits beneath, whom 1 feduc'd 

With other promifes, and other vaunts 

Than to fubmit, boafting I could fubdue S5 

Th' Omnipotent. Ay me, they little. know 

How dearly I abide that boaft fo i^in, 

Under what torments inwardly I groan. 

While they adore me on the throne of hell. 

With diadem and fceptre high advanced, 9* 

The lower ftill I fall, only fupreme 

In mifery ; fuch joy ambition finds. 

But fay I could repent, and could obtain, 

By adl of grace, my former ftate, how foon 

Would height recal high thoughts, how foon unfay 95 

What feign'd fubmiffion fwore ? *eafe would recant 

Vows made in pain, as violent and void 

For never can true reconcilement grow 

Where wounds of deadly hate have pierced fo deep: 

Which would but lead me to a worfe relapfe, K9 

And heavier fall : fo fliould I purchafe dear 

Short intermiflion bought with double fmart. 

This knows my punifher : therefore as far 

From granting he, as 1 from begging peace : 

All hope excluded thus, behold inftead - ic5 

Of us outcaft, exil'd, his new delight, 

Mankind created, and for him this world. 

So farewell hope, and with hope farewell fear. 

Farewell remorfe : all good to me is loft ; 

Evil be thou my good : by thee at lead !*• 

Divided empire with hcavVs King I holdj 

By ihefi, and more than half perhaps will reign ; 

As man ere long, and this new world, fhall know. 

Thus while he fjuike, each pafCon dimm'd his hct 
Thrice chang'd'witn pale, ire, envy, and defpair ; lij 
Which marr'd his borrowed vifage, and betray'd 
Him counterfeit, if any eye beheld. 
For heiv'nly minds iVoin fwch diden^pers foul 



PARADISE LOST. 89 

turbation fmooth'd with outward calm, 1 29 
of fraud ; ancL-^was the fird 
ais'd falfehood under faintly (how, 
lice to conceal, couch'd with revenge. 
BOugh had pradlic'd to deceive 
e warn'd, whofe eye purfu*d him down 1 2jg 
he went, and on th' AiFyrian mount 
disfigured more than covld befal 
lappy fort : his geftores fierce 
d, and mad demeanour, then alone, 
pos'd, all unobferv'd, unfeen f 39 

fares, and to the border comes 
where delicious Paradife, 
cr, crowns with her inclofure green, 
L rural mound, thechampain head 
wildemefs, whofe hairy fides 135 

:ket-overgrown, grotefque and wild, 
iny'd ; and over head up grew 
Ac height of loftieft (hade, 
id pine, and fir, and branching palm, 
fcene ; and as the ranks afceud 149 

5ve (hade, a woody theatre 
:ft view. Yet higher than their tops 
*rous wall of Paradife up fprung : 
our general fire gave profped large 
lether empire neighboring round. 145 

>er than that wall a circling row 
eft trees, loaden with faired fruit, 
and fruits at once of golden bus, 
I, with gay cnamell'd colours mix*d : 
1 the fun more glad imprefs'd his beams, 150 
fair evening cloud, or humid bow, 
)D hath fl>ow'r*d tlie earth ; fo lovely feem'd 
3fkip : and of pure now purer air 
i approach, and to the heartlnfpires 
elight and joy, able to dri^e 15^ 

:fs but defpair : now gentle gales, 
their odoriferous wings, difpenfe 
jrfumes, and whifper whence they ftole 
Imy fpoils. As when to them whci fa^l 
he Cape ofHope^ and now are (slSI \^^ 

JL 2 



^^ PARADISE LOST. Booil 

Mozambic, off at fea north- efi|l winds blow 
Sabean odours from the fpic]^ fliore 
Of Araby the Blefs'd ; with fuch delay 
Well pleased they flack their courfe, and many aleaj 
Chear'd with the grateful fmell old Ocean fmiles: i 
So entertain'd thofe odorous fweets the fiend, 
Who came their bane ; though with them bettcrplea 
Than Afmodeus with the fifhy fume 

. That drove him, though enaniour*d, from the fpou; 
Of Tobit's fon, and with a vengeance fent i 

From Media pod to Jtgyp't, there faft bound. 
■ Now to th' afcent of that deep favage hill 
Satan had journeyed on, penfive and flow ; 
But further way found none, fo thick intwin'd, 
As one continued brake, the undergrowth . I 
Of flirubs and tangling buflies had perplex'd 
All path of man or beaft that pafs'd that way. 
One gate there only was, and that look'd eaft 
On th* other fide : which when th* arch felon faw, 
Due entrance he difdain'd, and, in contempt, i 
At one flight bound high overleaped all bound 
Of hill or higheft wall, and flieer withiii 
Lights on his feet. As when a prowling wolf, 
When hunger drives to feek new haunt for prey, 
Watching wheitc fliepherds pen their flocks at 6ve i 
In hurled cotes amid the field fecure, 
1 iCaps o'er the fence with eafe into the fold : 
Or as a thief, bent to unhoard the cafli 
Of fome rich burgher, whofe fubllantial doors, 
Crofs-barr'd and bolted fafl, fear no aflault, I 

In at the window climbs, or o'er the tiles : 
So clamb this firft grand thief into God's fold ; 
iSo fince into his church lewd hirelings climb. 
Thence up he flew, and on the tree of life. 
The middle tree, and higheft: there that grew, I 
Sat like a cormorant ; yet not true life. 
Thereby r-cgain'd, but fad devifing death 
To them who liv'd ; nor on the virtue thought 
Of that life-giving plant, but only us'd 
Forprofpe^y what we\V\is'd\\adb^tTi the pledge 2 

OfimmonsJity. So liuk kaow^ 



PARADISE LOST. 9? 

God aloiie, to value right 
I before him, but perverts bed things 
abufe, or to their mcaneft ufe. 
lim with new wonder now he views, 205 
light of human fenfe expos'd, 

V room, nature's whole wealth, yea, more, 
on earth : for blifsful Paradife - • 

he garden was, by him in th' eaft 
planted ; Eden ftretch'd her line 2 1# 

iran eaftward to the royal towers 
Seleucia, built by Grecian kings, 
; the fons of Eden long before 
Telaflar : in this pleafant foil 
nore pleafant garden God ordain'd; 21^ 
le fertile ground he caus'd to grow 
of nobleli kind for fight, fmell, taftc ;' 
amid them ftood the tree of life, 
inent, blooming ambrofial fruit 
ible gold : and next to life, 220 

h, the tree of knowledge, grew faft by ; 
ge of good bought dear by knowing ill. 
rd through Eden went a river large, 
\g'd his courfe, but through the maggy hill 
iderneath ingulf M ; for God h?»d thrown 225 
untain as his garden-moul'd high rais'd 
I rapid current, which through veins 
IS earth, with kindly thirft up-drawn, 
-efti fountain, and with many a rill 
the garden ; thence united fell 230 

e fteep glade, and met the nether flood, 
rom his darkfome paffage now appears ; 

V divided into four main ftreams, 
^erfe, wand'ring many a famous realm 
ntry, whereof here needs no account ; 23^ 
er to tell how, if art could tell, 

m that fapphir fount the crifped brooks, 
on orient pearl and fands of gold, 
zy error under pendent ftiades 
:ar, vifiting each plant, and fed 240 

worthy' of Paradife, which ivox. xAct^i^ 
a J curious knots, but naluitbooxi 



94 PARADISE tOST. BookIV. 

Under a turf of fliade that on a green 325 

Stood whifp'ring foft, by a frefti fountain fidei 
They fat them down ; and after no more toil 
Of their fweet gardening labour than fuific'd 
To recommend cool zephyr, and made eafc 
More eafy, wholefome thirft and appetite jjd 

More grateful, to their fupper fruits ibcy fell, 
Neftarine fruits which the compliant boughs 
Yielded then, fide long as they fat recline 
On tlie foft downy bank damafk'd witli flowers ; 
The favoury pulp ihey chow, and in the rind, 335 
Still as they thirfted, fcoop the brimming dream ; 
Nor gently purjx)fe,. nor endearing fmilcs 
Wanted, nor youthful dalliance, as bcfeems 
Fair couple, link'd in happy nuptial league. 
Alone as they About them frifking play'd * 34O 
All beads of th' earth, fmce wild, and of all chafe 
In wood or wildernefs, foreft or den ; 
Sporting the lion ramp'd, ^nd in his paw 
Dandled the kid ; bears, tygers, ounces, pards, 
Gambol'd before them ; th' unwieldy elephant, 34J 
To make them mirtli, us'd all his might, and wreathed 
His lithe probofcis ; clofe die ferpent fly 
Infmuating, wove with Gordian twine 
His braided train, and of his fatal guile 
Gave proof unheaded ; others on the grafs 35* 

Oouch'd, and now fill'd with pafture gazing fat, 
Or bed ward ruminating ; for the fun 
Declin'd was hading nov; with prone career 
To th* ocean ifles, and in th' afcending fcale 
Of heav'n the (lars that ufher evening rofe : 35J 

When Satan ft ill in gaze, as firft he ftood, 
Scarce thus at length fail'd fpeech recover'd, faid. 
O hell ! what do mine eyes with grief behold I 
Into our room of bllfs thus high advanced 
Creatures of other mould, earth-born perhaps, 360 
Not fpirits, yet to heavenly fpirits bright 
Little inferior ; whom my thouglits purfiie 
With wonder, and could love, to lively fhinef 
Jn them divine refemhlance, and fiirh grace 
Jl&e hand that form'd tKtm oiivWit ^■a^^^\kAXi\^<:s^<L 



JookIV. paradise LOST. 9J 

Ui, gentle pair ! ye little think how nigh 366 

four change approaches, when all thefe delights 

^ill vanifh, and deliver you to woe ! 

More woe, the more your tafte is now of joy'; 

tiappy, but for fo happy, ill fetiir'd 370 

Long to continue, and this high feat your heav'n 

nifenc*d for heav'n to keep out fuch a foe 

As now is entered ; yet no purpos'd foe 

To you, whom I could pity thus forlorn, ■ 

Though I unpitied. League with you I feek 375 

And mutual amity, fo flrait, fo clofe. 

That I with you muft dwell, or you with me 

Henceforth : my dwelling haply may not pleafe, 

Like this fair Paradife, your fenfe ; yet fuch 

■Accept your Maker's works ; he gave it me, 380 

Which I as freely give : hell (hall unfold, 

To entertain you two, her wideft gates, 

And fend forth all her kings ; there will be roopi, 

Not like thefe narrow limits, to receive 

Yonr nurn'rous offspring ; if no better place, 385 

Thank him who puts me loath to this revenge 

On you who wrong me not for him who wrong'd. 

And (hould I at your harmlefs innocence 

IJelt, as I do, yet public reafoo jiift. 

Honour and empire with revenge enkrg'd 390 

By conquering this new world, corn|>cls me now 

To do what elie, though damn'd, I (hould abhor. 

So fpake the fiend, and with neceffity. 
Tic tyrant's plea, excus'd his devrli(h deeds. 
Then from his lofty (land on that high tree 395 

iWn he alights among the fportful herd 
Of thofe four footed kinds, himfelf now one, 
Now other, as their (liape ferv'd be ft his end 
Nearer to view his prey, and unfpy'd 
To mark what of their ftate he more might learn, 400 
%word or action mark'd : about them round 
A lion now he ftalks with fiery glare ; 
picn as a tyger, who by chance hath fpy'd 
^ fome purlieu two gentle fawns at play, 
jjfaight couches clofe, then rifing changes oft 405 
**is couchant watch, as one who chofc \us ?\o\Mii^ 
M 



5^ PARADISE LOST. BookIV;. 

Whence rufhmg he might furcft feize them both, 
Grip'd in each paw : when Adam, firft of men, 
To firft of women, Eve, thus moving- fpcech,- 
Tum'd him, all tar to hear new utterance flow. 41^ 

Sole partner, and f()le part, of all thefe joys. 
Dearer thyfelf than all ; needs muft the power 
That made us, and for us this ample world, 
Be infinitely good, and of his good 
"As liberal and free as infinite ; 415 

That rais'd us from the duft, and placed us here 
In all this h:*ppinefs, who at his hand 
Have nothing merited, nor can perform 
Ought whereof he hath need ; he who requires 
From us no other fervice than to keep 420 

This one, this eafy charge, of all tlic trees 
In Paradife that bear delicious fruit 
So various, that to tafte that only tree 
Of knowledge, planted by "he tree of life ; 
So near grows death to life, whate'er death is, 42J 
Some dreadful thing no doubt ; for well thou know'ft 
God hath pronounc'd it death to tafte that tree. 
The only fign of our obedience left, 
Among fo many figns of pow'r and rule 
Conferred upon us, and dominion given 430 

Over all other creatures that polfefs 
Earth, air, and fea. Then let us not think hard 
One eafy prohibition, who enj^y 
Free leave fo large to all things elfe, and choice 
I Unlimited of manifnld delij^hts : 43J 

But Ictus ever praife him, and extol 
His bounty, following our delightful tnfk. 
To prune thefe growing plants and tend thefe flowers; 
Whirh were it tollfome, yet with thf e were fweet. 

To whom thus Eve reply'c'i. O thou for whom 44O 
And from whom I whs form'd, flrlh of thy flcfti. 
And without whorh am to ino end, my guide 
And head, what thou haft fnid is juft and right. 
For we to him indeed all praifes owe. 
And daily thariks ; I chiefly,, who enjoy ^^45 

So fir tlie happier lot, enjoying thee 
Pre-enunent by fo much odds^ >«\vL\^\^o\i 



BooiIV. PARADISE LOST. 97 

Like confort to thyfelf can ft no where find. 
That day I oft remember, when from deep 
I firft awak'ii, and found myfelf reposM 45Q 

Under a (hade^n flow'rs, much AvonJ'ring where 
Andwh.it I was, whence thither brought, and how. 
Nor diftant far from thence a murm'ring found 
Of waters ifRi'd from a cave and fpread 
Into a liquid plain, then ftood unmov'd 455 

Pure as th' expance of heav'n ; 1 thither went 
With unexperienc'd thonglit, and laid me down 
On the green bank, to look into the clear 
Smooth lake, that to me feemM another iky. 
As I bent down to look, juft opp.ifite 46© 

A (hape within the wat'ry gleam appeared, 
Bending to look on me : 1 ftarted back, 
It (brted back ; but pleasM 1 foon return'd, 
Pleas'd it return'd as foon with anfw'ring looks 
Of fympathf and love, there I had fixM 463 

Mine eyes till now, and pin'd with vain defire, 
Had not a voice thus warn'd me, What thou feeft, 
^Vhat there thou feeft, fair creature, is thyfdf ; 
»^itb thee it came and goes : but follr^w me, 
And I will bring thee where no Ihadow ftays 47Q 
Lycoming, and thy foft embraces, he 
whofe image thou art ; him thou fhak enjoy 
infeparahly thine ; to him fhall bear 
Multitudes like thyfelf, and thence be call'd 
Mother of human race. What could I do, 475 

But follow ftraight, invifibly thus led ? 
Till I efpy'd thee, fair indeed and tall. 
Under a platan ; yet methought Icfs fair, 
J^efs winning f ;ft. lefs amiably mild, 
'thin that fmooth wat'ry image : back 1 turn'd : 48^ 
Thou following, cry'd aloud, Return, fair Eve, 
Whom fly'ft thou ? whom thou fly 'ft, of liim thou art. 
His flelh, his bone ; to give thee be'ing 1 lent 
Out of my fide to thee, neareft my heart, 
Subftantial life, to have thee by my fide 48 c 

Henceforth an individual folacc dear ; 
P irt of my foul I f^f^k thee, and thee claim 
My other hali*. Witli that thy gentle haud 
M 2 



^8 PARADISE LOST. BookT 

»* . 
Seiz'd mine : I yielded ; And from that time fee 
How beauty is excelled by manly grace ; .4 

And wifdom, which alone is truly faii^. 

So fpake our general mother, and with eyes 
Of conjugal attraftion unreprov'd 
And meek furrcndcr, half embracing lean'd 
On our firft father ; half her fwcUing bread .4 
Naked met his, under the flowing gold 
Of her loofe trefTcs hid ; he in delight. 
Both of her beauty and fubmifiive charms^ 
Smil'd with fupcrior lovcj as Jupiter 
Or Juno fmiles, when he impregns the clouds f 
That fhed May flow'rs, and prefs'd her matron lip 
With kilFes pure. Afidc the devil turn'd 
For envy ; yet with jealous leer malign 
Ey'd them afkance, and to himfelf thus 'plain'd. 

Sight hateful, fight tormenting ! thus theie two, 5 
Imparadis'd in one another's arms, 
The happier Eden fhall enjoy their fill 
Of blifs on blifs ; while I to hell am thruft. 
Where neither joy nor love, but fierce defire, 
Among our other torments not the leaft, j 

Still unfulfilPd with pain of longing pines ; 
Yet let me not forget what I ha vd gain'd ' 
From their own mouths ; all is not theirs, it fecms 
One fatal tree there fiands, of knowledge call'd. 
Forbidden them to tafle. Knowledge forbidden? • 
Sufpicious, reafonlefs. Why fhould their Lord 
Envy them that ? can it be fin to know ? 
Can it be death ? and do they only Itand 
By ignorance ? is that their happy ftate, 
The proof of their obedience, and their faith ? 
O fair foundation laid whereon to build 
Their ruin ? Hence I will excite their minds 
With more defire to know, and to reject 
Envious commands, invented with defign 
To keep them low, whom knowledge might exalt 
Equal with gods : afpiring to be fuch. 
They tafte, and die : what likelier can er fue ? 
JBut firft with narrow fearch I muft walk round 
r This garden, and no con\cT \c;3kxt vvoJ^Y^^ 



I BookIV. paradise LOST. 99 

■A chance but chance may lead i^iierc Imay meet 53® 

Some wandering fp'rits of heav'n, by fonntain-fide, 

Ot in thkk fhade rctir'd, from him to draw 

^hat further would be leam'd. Live while ye may^ 

^ct happy pair ; enjoy, till I return, 

Short pleafures, for long woes are to fucceed. 535 

So faying, his proud ftep he fcornful turn'd, ^ 
But with fly circumfpedtion, and began [foam. 

Through wood, through wafte, o^erhill, o'er dale, his 
Mean- while in utmoft longitude, where heaven 
With earth and ocean meets, the fetting fun 540 

Slowly dcfccnded, arid with bright afpc6t * 
Againft the eaftem gate of Pasadife 
LcvelPd his ev'ning-rays ; it was a rock 
Of alabafter, pil'd up to the clouds, 
Confpicuous far, winding with one afcent 545 

•. Acceflible from earth, one entrance high ; 
The reft was craggy cliflF, that overhung 
Still as it rofe, impoflible to climb. 
Betwixt the rocky pillars Gabriel fat, 
Chief of th- angelic guards, awaiting night ; 550 

About him cxercis'd heroic games 
The unarm'd youth of heav'n, but nigh at hand 
Celcftial armoury, fhiclds, helms, and fpears, 
Hung high, with diamonds flaming, and with gold. 
Thither came Uriel, gliding through the even ^^§ 
On a fun-beam, fwlft as a (hooting ftar 
In autumn thwarts the night, when vapours fir'd, 
Imprefs'd the air, and fliews the mariner 
From what point of his compafs to beware 
Impetuous winds : he thus began in hafl:e. 560 

Gabriel, to thee thy courfe by lot hath giv'n 
• Charge and flridl watch, that to this happy place 
No evil thing approach or enter in. 
This day at height of noon came to myfphere 
A fpirit, zealous, as he feem'd, to know ^6^ 

More of th* Almighty's works, and chiefly man, 
God's lateft image : I defcrih'd liis way. 
Bent all on fpced, and murk'd his airy gait ? 
But in the mount that lies from Eden north. 
Where he £rft lightcdf foon dilcum' d \\vs \oqV^ ^*\^ 



lOO P^R4I>ISE LOST. Book] 

"Alien from heav'n. with paflions full obfcur*d : 
Mine eyes purfu'J him ftill, but under (hade 
Loll fight of him : one of tht banifli'd creW| 
I fear, hath ventur'd from the deep to raife 
New troubles ; him ihy care muft be to find. i 

To whom the winged wan ior thus returned. 
Uriel, no wonder if thy perfe<5l fight. 
Amid the fun's bright circle where thou fitt'ft, 
Sec far and wfde : in at this gate none pafs 
The vigilance here plac'd, but fiich as come i 

Well known from hcav'n ; and fince meridian houi 
No creature thence : if fp'rit of other fort. 
So minded, hath o'erleap'd thefe earthy bounds 
On purpofe, hard thou know'ft it to exclude 
Spiritual fubftance with corporeal bar. j 

But if within the circuit of thefe walks, 
Jn whatfoever fhape he lurk, of whom 
lliou tell'ft, by morrow dawning I fliall know. 

So promis'd he; and Uriel to his charge 
RetumM on that bright beam, whofe point now rai 
Bore him flape downward to the fun now faU'n j 
Beneath th' Azores ; whether the prime o>b, 
Incredible how fwift, had thither roil'd 
Diurnal, or this lefs volubile earth. 
By (horter flight to tV eaft. had left h^m there j 
Arraying with refls<5led purple and gold 
The^clouds that on his weftern throne attend. 

Now came ftill ev'ning on, and twilight grey 
Had in berfober liv'ry all things clad ; 
Silence accompanied ; for bfiaft and bird, i 

They to their graify couch, thcfe to their ncfts 
Were flunk ; all but the wak. fill nigh ingale ; 
She all night long her am'rous defcant fung ; 
Silence was pleas'd ; now jg^owM the firmament 
With living fapphirs : H^fpcrus, thnt 1 -d C 

The ftarry hoft, rode brightcft, till the moon 
Rifing in cloudy maj :([y, at length 
j-Apparent queen unvcilM her peerlcfs l\c^ht, 
|Ando'er the dark her filver mantle threw. 
P* Wlirn Adam thii«^ to live. Fair confjrtjtJriicur 6 
fOfnightj and all things now rcui'dto i^d^ 



/. PARADISEtLOST. lof 

of like repofe, fince God hath fst 
and reft, as day and night, to men 
'^e ; and the timely deW of flcep 
ing with fofc flumb'rcus weight, inclines 615 
li is : other creatures all day long 
c unemploy'd, and lefs need rell ; 
h his daily work of body' or mind 
ed, which declares his dignity, 
regard of licav'n, on all his ways ; 620 

Jicr animals iina^ive range, 
heir doings God takes no account, 
"ow, ere f refh morning ftreak the eaft 
ft approach of liglit, we muft be rifen, 
Dur prefent labour, to reform 625 

;'ry arbour, yonder alleys green, 
k at noon, with branches overgrown, 
)ck our fcant manuring, and require 
nds than ours to lop their wanton growth : 
loflbms alfo,and ihofe dropping gums, 630 
beftrown, unfightly and unfmooth, 
lance, if we mean to trend with eafe ; 
lile, as Nature wills, night bids us reft, 
lom thus Eve, with perted beauty' adorn'd. 
lor and difpofer, T^hat thou bidft 6^g 

d I obey : fo God ordains ; 
ly law, thou mine : to know no more 
n's happieft knowledge, and her praiie* 
:e convcrfing I forget all time ; 
)ns, and their change, all pleafe alike. 640 
the breath of morn, her rifing fwcct, 
arm of ciirlieft birds ; pleafant the fun, 
rft on this dcHrjhtful land he fpreads 
nt beams, en herb, tree, fruit, and flower, 
g with dew ; frac^rant the fertile earth 64^ 
ft fliow'rs; and fweet the coming on 
'ful ev'ning mild ; then filent night, 
is her folemnbird, and this fair moon, 
ife the gems of heav'n, her ftarry train : 
her breath of morn, when fhe afcends 6^^ 
arm of earlieft birds ; nor rifmg fun 
ielightful iand ; nor herb, iiuvi, ^o^^«^ 



101 PARADISE LOST. BookIV; 

Glift*ring with dew ; nor fragrance after (bowers ; 
Nor grateful evening mild ; nor filent night, 
With this her folemn biri^, nor walk by moon, 65JJ 
Or glilt'ring ftar-light, without thee is fweet.- 
But wherefore all night long (hlne thefe ? for whom 
This glorious fight, when lleep hath fhut all eyes ? 

To whom our general anceftoi- reply'd. 
Daughter of God and man, accomplilh'd Eve, 660 
Thefe have their courfe to finifli round the earth, 
By morrow ev'ning, and from land to land 
In order, though to nations yet unborn, 
Minift'ring light prepared, they fet and rife, 
Left total daricnefs fhould by night regain 66j 

Her old poffeffion, and extingnifh life 
In nature and all things j which thefe foft fires 
Not only' enlighten, but with kindly heat 
Of various influence foment and warm. 
Temper or nouriih, or in part fhed down 67* 

Their ftellar virtue on all kinds that grow 
On earth, made hereby apter to receive 
Perfection from the fun's more potent ray. 
Thefe then, though unbeheld in deep of night, 674 
Shitie not in vain ; nor think, though men were none, 
That heav'n would want fpedlators, God want praifci 
Millions of fpiritual creatures walk the earth 
Unfeen, both when we wake, and when we fleep : 
All thefe with ceafelefs praife his works behold 
Both day and night : how often, from the fleep 68* " 
Of echoing hill or thicket, have we heard 
Celeftial voices to the midnight air, . 
Sole, or refponfive each to others note, 
Singing their great -Creator ? oft in bands 
While they keep watch, or nightly rounding walk, 68^ 
With heav*nly touch of inftrumental founds 
In fall harmonic number join'd, their fongs 
Divide the night, and lift our tlioughts to heav'n. 

Thus talking, hand ia hand along they pafs'd 
.On to their blifsful bow'r : it was a place 6g9 

Chos'n by the fov 'reign planter, when he fram'd 
All things to man's delightful ufe ; the roof 
Of thickcH covert was mwovtu ftv.a.4^ 



PARADISE LOST. loj 

1 myrtlcy and what higher grew 
id fragrant leaf; on either fide 695 

and each odoroas bufhy fhrub, 
the verdant wall ; each beauteons flower, 
es, rofes, and }tffdm\n, 
h their flourifh'd heads between> and wrought* 
indcr foot the violet, 700 

id hyacinth, with rich inlay, 
ht ground, more coloured than with done 
emblem : other creature here, 
!, infeft, or worm, durft enter none ; 
their awe of man. In Ihadier bower 705 
;d and fequefter'd, though but feign'd, 
vanus never ilept, nor nymph, 
jis haunted. Here, in clod recefs, 
!rs, garlands, and fweet fmelling herbs, 
Eve deck'd firft her nuptial bed, 7 1 o 

nly quires the hymenaean fung, 
the genial angel to our fire 
er, in naked beauty more adorn'd, 
y, than Pandora, whom the gods 
vith all their gifts, and, O ! too like 7 rj 
It, when to th' unwifer fon 
brought by Hermes, (he infnar'd 
vith her fair looks, to be aveng'd 
ho had dole Jove's authentic fire, 
their (hady lodge arriv'd both (lood, 72a 
d, and under open fky ador'd 
that made both fky, air, eaith, and heav'Oi 
y beheld, the moon's refplcndent globe, 
r pole : Thou alfo mad'fl the night, 
nipotent, and thou the day, 72^ 

in our appointed work employ'd 
i^d happy in our mutual help, 
al love, die crown of all our blifi 
»y thee ; and this delicious place, 
large, where thy abundance wants 730 
and uncropt falls to the ground, 
laft promis'd from us ttvo a lace 
earth, who fhall with us extol 
ic(siaBnit€p both whenwc vraV^i 
N 



IC4 PARADISE LOST. Book IV, 

And when we fc^k, as now, thy gift of fleep. 75J 

This faid unanimous, and other rites 
Obferving none, but adoration pure, 
Which God likes beft, into their inmoft bower 
Handed they went ; and cas'd the putting off 
Thefe troublefome difguifes which we wear, 74C 

Stiai^'Jit fide by fide were laid : nor turn'd, Lwecn, 
Adam from his fair fpoufe, n(»r Kve the rites 
Myfterious of connubial love refused : 
Whatever hypocrites aufterely talk 
Of purity, and place, and innocence, 74J 

Dtfaming as impure what God declares 
Pure, and commands to f^me, leaves free to all. 
(Jur Maker bids increafe : wlio bids abftain, 
But our deftroyer. foe to God and man ? 
Hail wedded love, myfterious law, true fuurcc 75< 
Of human offspring, fole propriety 
In l-'aradife ot all things- common elfe. 
By thee adult'rous luit was tlriv'n from men. 
Among the beftial herds to range ; by thee 
Founded in reafon, loyal, juft, and pure, 75 

Relations dear, and all the charities 
Of father, fon, and brother, firft were known. 
Far be' it, that I (hould write the fin or Ihame, 
Ur think thee unbefitting holiefl place, 
Perpetual fountain of domeflic fweets, 76 

Wl.ofe bed is undefiPd and chafte pronounced, 
Prefent, or paft. as faints and patriarchs usM. 
Htre Love his golden fliafts employs, here lights 
His conftant l^mp, and waves his purple wings. 
R'.igns here and revels ; not in the bought fmile ft 
Of harlots, lovelefs, joylefs, unendear'd, 
Cajiiul fruition; nor in court iamours, 
Mix'd dance, or wanton nrnik, or midnight-ball. 
Or ferenade, whi h the flarv'd lover fmgs 
To his proud fair, beft quitted with difdain. 77 

Thcfe lull'd by nightingales, embracing deep. 
And on their naked limbs the flow*ry roof 
Show'r'd rofes, which the morn repaired. Sleep on> 
BJefs'd p'dir i and, O yethappieft, ifycfeek 
Ao happier /late, and know uo moit» v 



r. PARADISE LOST. 105 

lad night ineafar*d wtth her fli:^dowy cone 
Y up hill this vaft fublunar vault, 
71 their iv'ry port the Cherubim 
tiing at th* accultom'd hour, ftood arm'd 
night watches in warlike parade ; 78© 

abriel to his next in pow'r thus fpake. 
I, half thefe draw oflP, and coaft the fouth 
:«5left watch ; thefe other wheel the north ; 
uit meets full wefl. As flame they part, 
eeling to the fhield, half to the fpear. 785 
ife, two (Irong and fubtle fp'rits he callM 
ir him ftood, and gave them thus in charge. 
el and Zephon, with wing'd fpeed 
irough thi« garden* leave unfearch'd no nook; 
fly where thofe two fair creatures lodge, 790 
I perhaps afleep, fecure of harm, 
ling from the fun*s decline arriv'd, 
s of fome infernal fpirit feen 
ard bent (who could have thought ?) efcapM 
J of hell,' on errand bad no doubt : 795 

ere ye find, feize faft, and hither bring 
ing, on he led his radiant files, 
^ the moon : thefe to the bow'r dire<5t, 
I of whom they fought : him there theyfound 
:e a toad, clnfe at the ear of Eve, bo* 

by his devilifh art to reach 
ms of her fancy, and with them forge 
a* he lift, ph^ntafms and dreams ; 
fpiring venom, he might taint 
nal fpirits, that from pure blood arife 8oj 
itle breath s'from rivers pure, thence raife 
diftcmperM, difjontented thoughts, 
pes, vain aims, inordinate defires, 
p with high conceits ingend'ring pride. 
15 intent, Ihuriel with his fpear 81Q 

I lightly : for no falfehood can endure 
)fceleiHal temper, but returns 
to its own likenefs : up he ftarts 
•'d and furpri-^'d. As when a fpark 
Ml a heap of nitrous powder, laid ^ ? i j 

l/e tun fome ni.igazine to floic 
N 2 



'io« PARADISE LOST. BooiW. 

Againft a nmiour'd war. the fmutty grain 

With fudden blaze diffiisM, inflames the air ; 

So ftartcd up in his own ihape the fiend. 

Back ftept thofe two fair angels, half amaz'd 820 

So fiiddcn to behold the gnfly king ; 

Yet thus, unmov'd with fear, accoft him foon. - 

Which of thofe re> cl fp'rits adjudg'd to hell 
Com'ft thou, efcap'd thy prifon ? and transform'dy - 
Why fatt'il thou like an enemy in wait, 825 

Here watching at the head of the(e that fleep ? 
Know ye not then, faid Satan» fill'd with fcorn, 
Know ye not me ? ye knew me once no mate 
For you, there fitting where ye durft not fbar ; 
Not to know mc argues yourfelves unknown^ 8j* 

The loweft of youi throng ; or if ye knew, 
WTiy afk ye, and fuperfluous begin 
Your meffage, like to end as much in vain ? 

To whom thus Zephon, anfwering fcorn with fcorn- 
Think not, revolted fp'rit, thy ihape the fame 8jJ 
Or undiminifh'd brightnefs to be known. 
As when thou ftood'ft in heav'n upright and pure i 
That glory then, when thou no more waft good, 
Departed from thee ; and thou rcfembrft now 
Thy fin and place of doom obfcure and foul. 84O 

But come, for thou, be fure, fhalt give account 
To him w^ho fent us, whofe charge is to keep 
This place inviolable, and thefe fromharm. 

So fpake the Cherub ; and his grave rebuke. 
Severe in youthful beauty, added grace 84J 

Jnvincible : abafh'd the devrl ftood, 
And felt how awful goodnefs is, and faw 
Virtue in her fhape how lovely ; faw, and pin'd 
His lofs : hut chiefly to find here obferv'd 
Hisluftrcvifibly impair'd ; yet fcem'd S$0 

yndaunted. If I muft contend, faid he, 
Beft with the heft, the fender not the fent, 
at once : more glory v ill be won, 
be loft. Thy fear, faid Zephon bold, 
vc ns trial vhnt the leaft can do 8j5 

a^iirnft ihe wicked, and thence weak. 
6cnd reply 'd not, oveTComt viXCtv i^i^t \ 



Beftwi 

'I 



V. PARADISE LOST. 107 

; a proud deed reln*d,. went haughty on. 

ing his iron curb : to drive or fly 

I It vain ; awe from above had quell'd S69 

rt, nor elfe difmay'd Now drew they nigh 

ftern point, where thofe half- rounding guards 

L, and clbfing ftood in fquadron join'd, 

ig next command. To whom their chiefs 

from the front thus call'd aloud. S65 

!nds, I hear the tread of nimble feet 

this way, and now by glimpfe difcern 

and Zephon through the fliade ; 
h them comes a third of regal port, 
ed fplendor wan ; who by his gait 87© 

rce demeanor, fecms the prince of hell, 
:ly to part hence witht)ut conteft ; 
rm, for in his look defiance lours. 
rarce had ended, when thofe two approach'd, 
icf related whom they brought, where found, 
ified, in what form and pofture couch'd. 87^ 
hom with ftern regard thus Gabriel fpake. 
ft thou, Satan, broke the bounds prefcrib'd 
tranfereffions, and difturb'd the charge 
rs, who approve not to tranfgrefs 88« 

eiample, but have powV and right 
ftion thy bold entrance on this place ; 
*d, it feems, to violate flcep, and thofe^ 
dwellings God hath planted here in blifs ? 
hom thus Satan wiih contemptuous brow, 885 
, thou had(t in heav'n th'-efteem of wife, 
:h I held thee ; but this queftion afk'd 
: in doubt. Lives there who loves his pain ? 
)uld not, finding way, break loofe from hell, 
ither doom*d? Thou wouldft thyfelf, no doubt, 
Idly venture to wliatcver place 89 1 

:from pain, where thou might' II hope tochangs 
i^ with eafe, and fooneft rec'"»tr)penfe 
th delight, wliiihin tliis place I fought; 

•no rcafon, who know*Il only good, Sgg 

. haft not try'd, and wilt obje<5t 

who bound ns : let him furer bar 
\ gates, if he intends our fta^ 



ii6 P'ARADISE LOSf. fiooklV. 

Of Ceres ripe for harveft waving bends 
Her bearded groves of ears, which way the wind 
Sways them ; tlie careful ploughman doubting ftandsi 
l^eft on the thrcfhing floor his hopeful (heaves 
Prove chaff. On th' other fide, 8atan alarin'd 985 
Collcdling all his might, dilated flood, * 

Like Teneriff or Aths unremov'd : ^ * 
His ftature reach'd the fky, and on his creft 
Sat horror plum'd ; nor wanted in his grafp 
What feem'd bothfpear and Ihicld. Now dreadful dccdi 
Might have enfu'd ; not only Paradife 991 

In this commotion, but the ftarry cope 
Of heav'n perhaps, or all the elements, 
At leaft had gone to wrack, diftiirb'd and torn 
With violence of this confli«ft, had not foon 995 

Th' Eternal, to prevent fuch horrid fray, 
Hung forth in lieav'n his goldtn fcales, yetfeen 
Betwixt Aftrea and the Scorpion fign, 
Wherein all things created firft he weigh'd, 
The pendulous round earth with balanc'd air icct 
In counterpoife, how ponders all events, 
Battles and realms : In thefe he put two weightS| 
The fequel each of parting and of fight > 
The latter quick up flew, and kick'd the beam ; 
Which G'thriel fpying, thus befpoke the fiend. looj^ 
Satan, I know thyllrength, and them know*(l minef 
Neither our own, but giv'n : what folly then 
To boad what arms can do ? fince thine no more 
Than heav'n permits, nor mine, though doubled now 
To trample thee as mire : lor proof look up, loio 
And read thy lot in yon celeftial fign, 
Where thou art weighed, and Ihewn how light> how 

weak, 
If thoU refift. The fiend look'd up, and knew 
His mounted fcale aloi't ; no more ; hut fled 
Murra'iing, and with aim fled the iludes of night. loi^ 



End of the FouaTH Cook. 



. R A D I S £ LOST, 

« 

BOOK V. 



TaE Argument. 

9g approached^ Eve relates to Adam her trouhUfovie 
m ; he likes it noty yet comforts her : they coine forth 
>Wr day* labours : their morning hymn at the door of 
' honxjier: God, to render man inexcufahley fends 
^bacl t9 admonijh him of his obedience ^ of his free 
'^» of his enemy near at hdnd^ mjho he is, and luhy 
fnemyr and luhatever elfe may avail jidavi tokno^. 
>bael comes dd*wn to Paradife^ his appearance defer ib' 
bis coming difcerned by Mam afar offy fitting at the 

of his bo^r ; he goes out to meet him^ brings him 
is lodge^ entertains him ivith the chcicejl fruits of 
•adife got together by Eve ; their difcourfe at table: 
^hael performs his mejfjge ; minds Adam of his fate 

of his tnemy j relates , at Adam's requefi^ 'mho that 
ny isy arid ho^va he came to be foy beginfiing f om his 

revolt in heaven^ and the occajion thereof; honu he 
w his, legions after hir/i to the parts of the norths and 
V incited them to rebel nuith him^ perfuading all but 
• Abdiel a Seraph^ 'who in argument dij'uades and 
fes him, theri forfakes him. 

OW Morn, her fofy fteps in th* eaftern clime 

Advancing, fow'd th' earth with orient pearly 
I Adam wak'd ; fo cuftom'd ; for his llecp 
airy light from pure digcftioh bred, 
tcmp'rate vapours bland, which th' only found 
ives and fuming rills, Aurora's fan, ^ 

iy difpersM, and the ihrill mating fong 
rds on cv*ry bough ; fo much the more 
vonder was to Hnd unwaken'd Eve 
treffes difcompos'd, and glowing check, \% 

rough ujlquicc reft : he, on hu fid^ 
O 



112 PARADISE LOST. BooiV. 

Leaning half raised, with looks of cordial love 
Hung over her enamour'd, and beheld 
Beauty, which whether waking or afleep 
Shot forth peculiar graces ; then with voice 15 

Mild, as when Zephyr us on Flora breathes. 
Her hand foft touching, whifpcr'd thus, Awakci 
My faircft, my cfpous'd, my lateft found, 
Heav'n's laft beft gift, my ever new delight. 
Awake : the morning {hines, and the frcfli field 20 
Calls us ; we lofe the prime, to mark how fpring 
Our tended plants, how blows the citron grove. 
What drops the mirrh, and what the balmy reed. 
How nature paints her colours, how the bee 
Sits on the bloom extrading liquid fweet. J) 

Such whifp'ring wak'd her, but with (lartled eye 
On Adam ; whom embracing, thus fhe (pake. 

O fole in whom my thoughts find all repofe^ ' 
My glory, my perfe5:ion, glad I fee 
Thy face, and morn returned : for I this night 30 
(Such night till this 1 never pafs'd) have dream'di . 
If dream'd, liot, as I oft am wont, of thee. 
Works of day paft, or morrow's next dcfign ; 
But of oflFence and trouble, which ray mind 
Knew never till this irkfome night : meihought 35 
Clofe at mine ear one call'd me forth to walk 
With gentle voice : I thought it thine : it faid, 
Why fleep'ft thou Eve ? now is the pleafant time. 
The cool, the filent, fave where fihnce yields 
To the night warbling bird, that now awake 40 

Tunes fweeteft his love-labour'd fong ; now reigns 
Full orbM the moon, and with more pleafing light 
Shadowy fets off the face of things 5 in vain, 
If none regard : hcav'n wakes with all his eyes ; 
Whom to btliold but thee. Nature's defire ? 45 

la whofe fight all things joy, with raviihrncnt 
At trailed by thy beauty ilill to gaze. 
I rofe as at thy call, but found thee not i 
To find thee I direfted then my walk ; 
And on, methought, alone I pafs'd through ways 50 
That brought mc on a fudden to the tree 



PARADISE LOST. 113 

ircr to my fancy than by day : 
[ wondVing lookM, bcfide it flood 
)'d and wing'd like one of thofe from hcav'n 
cfcen; his dewy locks diftill'd 3^ 

a 5 on that tree he alfo gaz'd ; 
fair plant, faid he, with fruit furcharg'd, 
lone to eafe thy load, and tafte thy fweet, 
}y nor man ? Is knowledge fo dcfpis'd ? 60 
', or what referve forbids to tafte ? 
iho will, none (hall from me withhold 
thy offerM good ; why elfe fet here ? 
1, he paus'd not, but with vent'rous arm 
cM, he tafted : me damp horror chill'd 65 
(>old words, vouchM with a deed Co bold. 
hus overjoy'd, O fruit divine, 
' thyfelf, but much more fweet thus cropt, 
en here, it feems, as only fit 
5, yet able to make gods of men : 7^ 

y not gods of men, fince good, the more 
nicated, more abundant grows, 
hor not impair'd, but honoured more ? 
appy creature, fair angelic Eve, 
thou alfo ; happy though thou art, 7 j 

thou may'ft be, worthier canft not be : 
is, and be henceforth among the gods 
a goddefs, not to earth confinM, 
lelimes in the air, as we ; fometimes 
to heav'n, by merit thine, and fee 8^ 

Fe the gods live there, and fuch live thou, 
ig, he drew nigh, and to me held, 
my mouth, of that fame fruit held part 
he had pluck'd ; the pleafant favoury fmcll 
icen'd appetite, that I, methought, Sj . 

ot but tafte. Forthwith up to the clouds 
m I flew, and underneath beheld 
th o:itftretch'd immenfe, a profpedl wide 
rious : wond'ring at my flight and change 
high exaltation, fijddcnly 9^ 

ie was gone, and I, methought, funk down, 
1 afleep : but, O how gjad I wakM, 
Ms but a dream ! Thus Eve Utr m^xx. 
O 2 



ti6 PARADISE LOST. BookY» 

With the AxM ftars, fix'd m their orb that flics ; 

And yc fire other wond'ring fires th-it move 

In myAlc dance not without fong, refound 

His praife, who out of darknefs called up light 

Air and yc elements, the eldeftbirth i8t 

Of Maturc's womb, that in quaternion run 

Perpetual circle, multiform, and mix, 

And nouri/h all things, let your ceafelefs change 

Vary to our great M.tker ftill nev praife j 

Ye mifts and exhalations that now rife i8j 

From 1)111 or fteaming lake, dufky or gray, 

Till the fan paint your fleecing ftirts with ^old, 

In honour to the world's great Author tifc, 

Whether to deck with clouds th' uncolour'd &y, 

Or wet tlie thirfty earth with falling fliowcrs, i^ 

Rifmg or falling ftill advance his praife. 

His praife, ye winds, that from four quarters blow, 

Breathe foft or loud ; and wave your tops, ye pines, 

With cv'ry plant, in fjgn of worfliip wave. 

Fountains, and ye that warble, as ye flow, 19I 

Melodious numbers, warbling tune his praife. 

Join voices all ye living fouls ; ye birds, 

That fmging up to heav*n-gate afcend, 

Bear on your wings and in your notes his praife. 

Ye that in waters glide, and ye that walk ' 20f 

The earth, and ftatcly tread, or lowly creep : 

Witnefs if I be (ilent, morn or ev'n, ' 

To hill, or valley, fountain or frefli fiiade. 

Made vocal by my fong, and taught his praife. 

Hail, univerfal Lord! be bounteous ftiir ' 205 

To give us only good : and if the night ' 

Have gathered ought of evil, or conceuVd, 

Difperfe it, as now light difpels the dark. 

So pray'd they innocent, and to their thoughts 
Firm peace recovered foon, and wonted calm. 21Q 
On to their morning's rural work they hafle. 
Among fweet dews and flow'rs ; where any row 
Of fruit- trees over woody rea h'J too far 
Their pamper'd boughs, and needed hands to check 
Fraitlefs embraces : or they I'^d thr vme 21J 

To iveJ icr elm j {he 'fpousi*d ^\>o\\\.\v\ii\vh\'wa 



J. PARADISE LOST. iij 

irmgeable arms, and with her brings 
>w'r, th* adopted clufters, to adorn 
rren leaves. ITiem thus employed beheld 
•ity heav'n'shigh King, and to him cali'd 220 
:1, the fociablc fp'rit, tliat dcTgn'd 
rt\ with Tobias, and fecur'd 
irriage with the fev'ntimes- wedded maid. 
iiael, faid he, thou hear' ft what ftir on earthy 
Tonahell 'fcap*d tlirough the darkfomc gulf, 225 
iis'd in Paradife, and how diftuib'd 
ght the human pair, how he dcfigns 
1 at once to ruin all mankind, 
srefore, half this day, as friend with friend 
fe with Adam, in what bow'r or Oiade t^m 
indft him from the heat of noon retir'd, 
}itehis day- labour with repall, 
1 repofe ; and fuch difcourfe bring on, 
J advife him of his happy ftate, 
lefs in his pow'r left free to will, 255 

his own free will ; his will though free, 
liable ; whence warn him to bejware 
Tve not top fecure. Tell him withal 
nger, and from whom ; what enemy, 
.ll'n himfelf from heav'n, is plotting now 24a 
;1 of others from like (late of blifs : 
Icnce ? No, for that fhall be withftood ; 
deceit and lies : this let him know, 
llfully tranfgrefling he pretend 
;al unadmonilh'd, unforewam'd. 24 J 

)ake th* eternal Father, and fulfill'd 
tice ; nor delayed the winged faint 
lis charge received ; but from among 
nd celeftial Ardors, where he ftood 
vith his gorgeous wings, up fpringing light 250 
irough the mid ft of heav'n ; th' angelic quires, 
h hand parting, to his fpeed gave way 
jh all th' empyreal road ; till at the gate 
v'n arriv'd, the gate felf open'd wide, 
den hinges turning, as by work 25^ 

the fov'reign Arch-tedl had fram'd. 
lencc^ no doudj or to obftrud his C^^t, 



ii8 PARADISE" LOST. Hooiii 

Star tnterpos'dy hbwerer fmall, he fees 
Kot UQcoufnrm to other fhining globes. 
Earth, and the garden of Goo, with cedars aaWi'd 
Above all hills : as ^vhen by night the glafs ' 36l 
Of Galileo, lefs affur'd, oblerves 
Imagin'd land and regions, in the moon : 
Or pilot, from amid ft the Cyclades, , - 

Delos or Samps nrft appearing, kens 2^5 ^ 

A cloudy fpot. Down thither prone in -flight 
He fpeeds, and through the vaft ethereal fky 
Sails between worlds and worlds, with ftcady wing 
Now on the polar winds, then with quick fan 
Winnows the buxom- air ; till within foar 2^9 ' 

Of towering eagles, t* all the fowls he feems 
A phenix, gaz'd by all, as that fole bird. 
When to infhrine his relics in the fun's 
Bright temple, to Egyptian Thebes he flies. ' 
At once on the eaftern cliff of Paradife iff ' 

Jrle lights, and to his proper fhape returns, 
A Seraph wing'd : fix wings he wore, to fhzdc 
His lineaments divine ; the pair that clad 
Each (boulder broad, came mantling o'er his breaft 
With regal ornament ; the middle pair 2^ 

Girt like a ftarry zone his wafte, and round 
Skirted his loins and thighs with downy gold. 
And colours dipt in hcav'n ; the third his feet 
Shadow'd from either heel with feather'd mail. 
Sky tin(5lur'd grain. Like Maia's fon he flood, l8j 
And (hook his plumes, that heav'nly fragrance fill'd 
The circuit wide. Straight knew him all the bands 
Of angels under watch ; and to his ftate. 
And to his mcfTage high, in honour rife ; 
For onfome mciliige high theyguefs'd him bound. 2y$ 
Their glitt'ring tents he pafs'd, and now is come 
Into the blifsful field, through groves of myrrh. 
And flow'ring odours, caflia, nurd, and balm ; 
A wildernefs of fwcets ; for nature here 
Wanton'd as in her prime, and play'd at will 295 
Her virgin fancies, pouring forth more fwcet. 
Wild above rule or art ; enormous blifs. 
Jilm cLrough thi fp'uy iortft. oxi.ww^ totKi^ 



r. PARADISE LOST. 119 

iifcernMy as in the door h^ fat 

ool bow'r, while new the mounted fun 300 

WB direA hia fervid rays to warm 

tnmoft womb, more warmth than \ dam needs ; 

e withm, due at her hour, prepar'd 

ler (avoury fruits, of tafte to pleafe 

petite, and not difreliih thirft 305 

rous draughts between, from milky ftream, 

r grape \ tp whom thus Adam call'd. 

hither live, and worth thy fight behold 
d among tho£e trees, what glorious ihape 
his way moving ; feems another mom 310 
i mid- noon ; fome great beheft from heav'a 
erhaps he brings, and will vouchfafe 
f to be Qur guell. But go with fpeed, 
.at thy (lores contain, bring forth,' and poVr 
nee, fit to honour and receive 315 

v'nly (Iranger : well we may afford 
ers their own gifts, and large beftow 
ree beftow'd, where nature multiplies ~ 
ilc growth^ and by difburd'ning grow9 
ait^l, which inftru^s us not to fpare. 3 JO 
10m thus Eve. Adam, earth's hallowM mould* 

infpir'd, fmall (lore will fervc, where ftore* 
tns, ripe for ufe hangs on the ftalk 1 
at by frugal ftoring firmnefs gains 
ifli, and fuperiluous moift confumes ; - 335 
ill hafte, and from each bough and. brake, 
int and juicieft gourd, will pluck fuch choice 
rtain onrangel-gued, as he 
ng (hall confef^, that here on earth 
.h difpens'd his bounties as in heav'n. 33Q 

ring, with difpatchful looks in hade 
iSt.on hofpitable thoughts intent, 
loice to chufe for delicacy heft, 
rder, £0 contrived as not to mix 
Qot well join'd, inelegant, but bring 3 jj 

ter tafte upheld with kindliefl change | 
ter then, and from each tender ftalk 
er Earth, all* bearing mother, yields 
I £aft dnd Wc&i or middle (hoie» 
P 



lib PARADISE LOST. Eom 

In Pontus, or the Punic co;)ft. or \vhere j 

Alcinous reignM, fruit of all kinds* in coat 
Rough or fmooth rin'd, or bearded hu(k, or fhellf 
She gathers tribute larire, and on the board 
Heaps with unfparing hand : for drink the grape 
She cruihesy inc^enfive mod, an') tneathes 
From many berry', and from fweet kernels pre&*d 
She tempers dulrvt creams ; nor chefe to hold 
Wants her fit veifels pure ; 'hi n ftrows the gtoum 
With rofe and odours from the ftrnb unfam'd. 

Mean ^hile our primitive great fire, to meet 
His god-like guett, walks fonh, without more trai 
Accompanied than witli his own complete 
Perfedlions ; in himfeif was all his ftate, 
Mr^re folemn than the tedious pomp that waits 
On princes, when their rich- retinue long 
Of horfes led, and grooins hefxneaf'd with gold» 
Dazzles the crowd, and fets them all agape. 
Nearer his prefence Adam, though not aw'd. 
Yet with fubmtfs approach and rev'rence meek. 
As l' a fujperior nature, bowing low, ; 

Thus faid. N ative of heav'n, for other place 
Mone can than heav'n fuch glorious ihape contain 
Since by dcfcendtiig from the thrones above, 
Thofe happy places thou haft deign'd a while 
To want, and honour thefe, vouchfafe with us ; 
Two* only, who yet by fov'reign gifts poffefs 
1 his fpacious ground, in yonder fn.idy bower 
To reil, and what the garden choicefl bears 
To fit and tafte, till this meridian heat 
Be over, and tl>e fun more cool decline. 

Whom thus th* angelic Virtue anfwcr'd mild^ 
Adam, 1 therefore came ; nor art thou fuch 
Created, or fuch place haft here to dwell. 
As m;iy not oft invite, though ip'rits of heav'n, 
To vifit thee : lead on then where thy bower ; 
O'erihades ; for thcfe mid -hours, till evening fife, 
1 have at will So to the fylvan lodge 
Thry came, that like Pomona's arbour fmiPd, 
Wnh flow'rctJ. dcckM, :.nd fragrant fmclls ; but E 
LQd<^ck*d lave "wiiU li'itfc\V'> mv^i^ iviN^Vj v*x '■ 



1r. PARADISE LOST. isx 

wood nymph, or tlie faireft goddefs fcign'd 
ee that ia mount Ida naked ftrove, 
t' entertain her gueft from heav'n ; no veil 
ededy virtue 'pr(X)f; no tliought infirm 
1 her cheek. On whom the angel Hail 385 
f*dy the holy falutation us'd 
[Uter to bl<&'d Mary, fecond Eve. . 
I mother of mankind, whofe fruitful womb 
U the world more numVous with thy Tons, 
with thefe various fruits the trees of God 390 
leapM this table. Rais'd of graffy turf 
ta()le was» and moflfy feats had round ; 
n her ami^e iquare from fide to fide 
:umn pil'd, though fpring and autumn here 
i hand in hand. A while difcourfe they hold 
r left dinner cool ; when thus began 396 

Hhor. Hea^'nly ftranger, pleafe to tafte 
bounties, which our nourilher, from whom 
ife^ good, unmeafur'd out, defcends, 
EiD»r food and For dehght hath caus'd 400 

rth to yield ; unfavoury food perhapft 
-it'al natures ; only this 1 know« 
ne. celeftial Father gives to all. 
whom the angel. Therefore what he gives 
epraife be ever fing ) to man in part 405 

al« may of pureft fp'rits be found 
3;rateful food : and food alike thofe pure 
j^ential fobftances require, 
h your rational; and both contain 
I them every lower faculty 410 

e, whbreby they hear, fee, fmell, touch, taftct 
g conco^b, digeft, affimilate, 
orporeal to incorporeal turn. 
,ow, whatever was created, needs 
fvtftatn'd and fed ; of elements, 41J; 

Totkv feeds the purer, earth the Tea, 
and fea feed air, the air thofe fires 
;al, and as lowefl:, firft the moon ; 
;e in her vifap^e round thofe fpots, unpurg'd 
rs not yet into her fubftance tarn^d ; 420 

»tb the moon no nou r ifhment exhale 
Pa 



ti2 PARADISE LOST. Booi 

From her moid continent to higher orbt. 
The fun, that light imparts to aHf receiyes 
From all his ahmental recompenfe^ 
In humid exhalations^ and at ev'n 
Sups with the ocean. Though in heaven the treei 
Of life ambrofial fruitage bear» and vines 
Yield nedar ; though nonx off the boughs each r 
We brufh mellifliiouis dews, and find the grouild 
Cover'd with pearly grain : yet God hath here 
Vary 'd his bounty fo with new delights* 
As may compare with heaven ; and to tafte^ 
Think not I diall be nide. So down they ia^ 
And to their viands fell : nor feemlngly 
The angely nor in mift» the common glofs 
Of Theologians ; but with keen difpatch '■ 
Of real hunger, and concodive heat 
To tranfubftantiate, what redourfdis, tranfpirei 
Through fpVits with eafe ; nor wander ; if by fir 
Of footy coal th' empiric alchemi ft • » 
Can turht or holds it poffible to turn, 
Metals of drofiieft ore to pcrfeft gold. 
As from the mine. Mean while at table Eve 
Minifter'd naked, and their flowing cups 
With pleafant liquors crown'd. O innocence 
Defcrving Paradife ! if ever, then. 
Then had the fons of God cxcufe t' have been 
Enamoured at that ficht ; but in thofe hearts 
Love unlibidinous reign'd, nor jealoufy 
Was underllood, the injured lover's helL 
- Thus when with meats and drinks they had fu£ 
Not burden'd nature, fudden mind arofe 
In Adam, not to let th* occafion pais 
Giv'n him by this great conference, to know 
Of things above this world, and of their be'ing 
Who dwell in hcav'n, whofe excellence he faw 
Tranfcend his own fo far, whofe radiant forms. 
Divine cffulj^cnce, whofe high pow'r fo far 
Exceeded human : and his wary fpeech 
Thus to th* empyreal miniilcr he fram'd. 
fnhabitant with God, now know I well 
Thy favour, in this honoui dou^^Q rn-dXk^ 



y. >AaADISE LOST. u$ 

whofe lowly roof thou haft voachfaf'd 
:er^and thefe earthly fruits to taftc, 
lot of angels, yet accepted fOf 465 

! more willingly thou coulo'ft not feem 
lY Vs high feaAs t' have fed; yet what compare} 
whom the winged Hierarch reply'd. 
im, one Almighty is, from whom 
ings proceed, and up to him retonit 470 

deprav'd from good ; created all 
o perfedtion, one firft matter all 
d with various forms, various dm^es 
ftance, and in things that live, of life ; 
ore refin'd, more fpirit'ous, and pure, 475 

ir to him placed, no nearer tending, 
n their feveral a£live fpheres aflign'd* 
Kly up toipirit work, in bounds 
rtion'd to each kind. So from the root 
^ lighter the green ftalk, from thence the leaves 
liry, laft the bright confummate fiow'r 484 
\ odorous breathes : flow'rs, and their fruits, 

nouriihment, by gradual fcale fublim'd, 
al fp'rits afpire, to animal, 
elledual : give both life and fen(e, 485 

and underftanding ; whence the foul 
n receives, and reafon k her being, 
irlive, or intuitive : difcourfe 
:ft yours, the latter moft is ours, 
ing but in degree, of kind the fame. 499 

er not then, what God for you fuw good 
rfufe not, but convert, as you, 
oper fubftance. Time may come, when men 
angek may participate, and find 
X)nvcnicnt di'et; nor too bght fare ; 45^ 

xom thefe corporal nutriments perhaps 
bodies' may at lad turn all to fp'rits, 
w'dby traftof time, andwing'd afcend 
eal, as we, or may at choice 
or in heav'nly Paradifes dwell ; jo9 

be found obedient, and retain 
erably firm his love entire, 
; progeny you are. Mean wVule CD^crf 



IM PARADISE LOST. Boot 

Your fill whathappine& this happy ftate 

Can comprAhendy incapable o£ m«re. 5 

To whom the patriarch of mankind reply'd, 
O f^iTournble fp'rit* propitious guefl, ^ 
Well haft thou taught tSe way that might dire^ 
Pi^r kn>)wledge, an4 the fcale of nature fet 
From centfer to circumference, whereon, j 

Jn contemp^tion of created thingSi 
By fteps we may ^cend to God. But fay. 
What meant that caution joined. If ye be found 
Obedient i Can we want obedience then 
To him, or pofiibly bis love defert, 1 

Who form'd us fr*>m the duft, and plac'd us here 
Full CO the utmoft me.«fure of what blifs 
Human dcfircs can feck or apprehend ? 
, To whom the angeL ' Son of hcav'n and earth. 
Attend. That thou art happy, owe to Qon ; 
That thou continu'ft fuch, owe to thyfelf, 
That ii, to thy obedience ; t}ierein iland. 
This was that caution givfn thee ; be advis'd. 
God made thee perfe^, iiot immutable ; 
Arid good he made thee, but to perfevera < 

He left it in thy powfr ; ordain'd thy will 
By nature fi-ee, nor ovc^; rul'd by faic 
Inextricable, or ftriA neceflity : 
pur voluntary fervice he requires. 
Not our neceflitated ; fuch with him 
Finds BO acceptance, nor can hnd ; for how 
Can hearts, not free, be try'd whether they fcrvc 
Willing or no, who will but what they muit 
By deftiny, and can no oth-^r chufe ? - • 
J^yfelf and all th' angelic hoft, that (land 
In light of God entbon'd, our happy ftate 
Hold, as you yours, while our>obedience holds; 
On other furety none ; freely we fcrve, 
Btraufe we freely love, as in oui will 
To love or not.; in this we ftand or fall : j 

And fom- are fall'n, to dlfoheuience fall'n. 
And fo frnm heav'n to deepeft hell ; O fall 
From what high (late of blifs into what woe I 
To whom our grcdt pio^euaox, 'CVi^ vjordi 



lootV. PARADISE LOST. ir; 

Attentive, and vith more delighted ear, 545 

JDivine inftruAor, I ha^e heard, that when 

Cherubic fongs by night from neighboring bilb 

Aereal mufic fend : nor knew I not 

To be both will and deed created free 3 

Yet that wc never ftiall forget to love 550 

Cttr Maker, and obey him whofe command 

Sii'igle is yet fo juft, my conftant ih<mghu 

A(lur|d me\ and ftill affnre : though what thOD tell'ft 

Hiih'pafs'd in htfnv'n, fomc doubts witliin mc move. 

But more defire to hear, if thou confcnt, 555 

The full relation . which mirft needs be (lraDge» 

Woitby of facred filence to be heard : 

And we have yet large day ; for fcarce the fun 

Hath finifhM half his journey, and fcarce begins 

His other half in the great zone of hcav'n. 560 

* Thus Adam made rcqueft : and Raphael^ ' 

After fhort paufe aflenting, thus began. 

High matter thou injoin'ft mc% O prime of ment 
8ad tafkrand hard : for how fhall I relate 
To human fenfe th* invifible exploits jfij 

0< warring fpirits ? how without remorfe 
The ruin of fo many glorious once .- ' 

And perfcA while they ftood ? how laft uxifold 
Th: fe. rets of another world, perhaps' ' 

l^t lawful to reveal ? Yet for thy good' 57# 

This is difpens'd ; and what furmounts the reach 
^f humafl fenfe, I fhall delineate fo, 
^y Hk'ning fpiritual to corporeal- forms, 
^niay exprefs them bett ; though what if earth 
j^^t the (hi'dow ofheav'n, andlhmgs therein 57 j 
**ch t' other like, more than on earth is thought ? 

As ytt this wo»lJ was rot, and Chaos wild [refhj 
jj^'gn'd where thefe h- av'ns now rcJl, where earth now 
Jjp^n her centre pois'd ; when on a day 
if ^ time, though in eternity apply 'd 580 

? ^^JXlotion, menfures all things durable 
jy Prefent, pad. and fucun ) on fuch a day 
^^ heaven's great year brings fbrth, th' empyreal hoft. 
J * Hnjrcls, by imncri il fummons call*d, "* 

^^Ujaei:ablc biitorc th* Almigjity's xliioxA t^'^s 



»^ PARADISE LOST/ Booit? 

Torthvntby from all the end$ of heav'n, appeared ' -f 
Under their hierarchs in orders bright : ') 

Ten thoufand thonfand enfigns high adTanc'd^ ' 

Standards and gon&lons 'twixt van and rear ^ 

Stream in the air. and for dlAia^ion ferve ^ Jlfjlt\ 
Of hierarchies, of orderi, and degrees ; }] 

Or in their g^itt'ring tiiTues bear emblazed * '^' 'f 

H0I7 memorials, ads of zeal and k>ve '^^ 

Itecorded eminent. Thus when in 6rbf 
Of circuit inezpreilible ihey (lood, ' JJJ ' 

Orb within orb, the Father infinite, ^ ' 

By whom in bllfs imbofomM fat the Son^ • >■ 

Amidft as from a flaming monnCv whofe top 
Brightnefs had made inviiible, thi« fpaKe. . /^ 

Hear all ye angels, progeny of light, 6cO 

Thrones, dominations, princedoms, virtttes, pow^rSf 
Hear my decree, which unrevoked (halt ftaad. 
This day i have begot whom I declare 
My only- Sony and on this holy hill 
Him have anointed^ whom ye tiow behold - 60 j ^ 
* At my right hand ; your Head I him appoint | 
And by myfelf have fworn, to him (hall bow 
All knees in heav'n, and fkall confefs him Lord: 
Under his great vicegerent reign abide 
United as one individual foul, • 6%%^ 

Foi ever happy : him who difobeys. 
Me difobeys, breaks union, and that day 
Call out from God and blefiVd vifion, falls ' ■ 

Into* mter darknefs, deep ingulf *d, his place ■ ^ 

Ordain'd without redemption, without end. - 6t} '* 

So fpake th' Omnipotent, and with his words ^ 
All feem'd well phas'd ; all feem'd, but were not alL 
That day, as other folemn days, they i'pent '^ 

In fong and dance about the facred hril ; 
Myftical dance, which yonder ftarry fphere 620 

Of planets and of fix'd, in all her wheels 
Refembles ncarcft, mazes intric:ite, 
Eccentric, intervoh'd, yet regulir, 
' Then moft, when moft irregular they feem. 
And in their motions harmony divine, 62^ 

fo Unojibi her charmmg ioivw,^iX O^u? ^ ^ht^^u 



V; PARADISE LQST. tij 

delighted. Ev'niog now approach'd 
re have alfo' our ev'ning and our morn» 
rs for change dele<ftable, not need), 
rith from dance to fweet repali they turn 6jo 
u ; all in circles as they ftood, 
are fet, and on a fudden pil'd 
ingcls' foody and rubied nedlar ilowSi 
U in diamond, and mafly gold ; 
f deficious vines, the growth of heav'n. 63 j 
v'rs reposM, and with frefli flow'rets crown'd, 
fat, they drink, and in communion fweet 
inmortality and joy, fecure 
*eit, where full meafure only bounds 
. before th' all bounteous King, who (how'r'd 
opious hands, rejoicing in their joy. 64 1 

rbcn sunbrofial night, with clouds exhal'd 
hatJugh mount of Goo, whence light and (hade 
both, the face of brighteft heav'n and chang'd 
teful twilight, (for night comes not there 64 j 
cer veil), and rofeate dews difpos'd, 
: ih' nnneeping eyes of God to reft ; 
)vef all the plain, and wider far 
dl this globoiis earth in plain outfpread, 
are rfie courts of God), th* angelic throng, 650 
»'d in bands and files, their camp extend 
ng ftreams among the trees of life, 
ns numberlefs, and fudden rearM, 
d tabemacfes, where they flept . . 
I with cool winds ; fa ve thofe who, in thcrr courfe, 
ous hymns about the fov'reign throne 656^ 
ate an night long But not fo wak'd 
. £3 call him now, his former name 
d no more in heav'n ; he of the firft, 
lie firft Arch Angel, great in pow'r, 660 

mr and pre-eminence, yet fraught 
«vy 'gainft the Sow of God, that day 
r'd by his great Father, and proclaimed 
I King aftomted, could not bear 
gh pride that fight, and thought himfelf impaired, 
nalice thence conceiving, and difdain, 666 

IS midnight brought on the duiky ViOMi) 



i?S PARADISE LOST. BooiW 

Friendlieft to deep and filence. he refolv'd 
With all his Icgiotis to diflodge, and leave 
UnworfhippM, unobeyM, the throne fupremCy 67Q 
Contemptuons ; and his next fubordinaie 
Awak'ning, thus to him in fecret ipake. 

Sleep'ft thon» companion dear, what fleep can dole 
Thjr eye- lids? and remember*ft what decree 
Of yefterday, fo late hath pals'd the lips 67J 

Of heav'n's Almighty I'hou to me diy thoughts ' 
Will wont, I mine to thee was wont t* impart j 
Both waking we were one ; how then can now 
Thy fleep diflent ? New laws thou fecft impos'd ; 
New laws from him who reigns, new minds may raife 
In us who ferve, new counfels to debate 69t 

What doubtful may enfue : more in this place 
To utter is not fafc. Aflemble thou 
Of all thefe myriads which we lead the thief; 
Tell them^ that by command, ere yet dim night 685 
Her fhadowy cloud withdraws, 1 am to haile. 
And all who under me their banners wave, 
Homeward, with flying march, where we pofTefi 
The quarters of the noixh ; there to prepare 
Tit entertainment to receive our King, Hy 

The great Mefiiah, and his newcommands^ 
Who fpcedily through all the hierarchiei 
Intends to pafs triumphant, and give laws. 

So fp^ke the falfe Arch- angel, and infused 
Bad influence into th' unwary breaCt 69$ 

Of his aflbciate : he together calls, 
Or feveral one by one, the regent powers. 
Under him regent ; tells, as he was taught^ 
That the Moft High commanding, now ere night, 
Now ere dim night had difincumber'd heav'n, 7CO 
The great hicrarchal fliandard was to move ; 
Tells the fuggefted caufe, and cafts between 

' Ambiguous words and jealouHes, to found 
Or tiiint integrity : but all obcy'd 
The wonted fignal, and fuperior voice 70J 

Of their great potentate ; for great indeed* 
His name, and high was his degree in heav'n ; 

His couat'xiance» as the moixun^ &ax xSixax. ^des 



IT. PARADISE LOST. 119 

;rry flock, allured them, and with lies 
iftcr him the third pUrt of heav'n's hoft. 7 10 
n whilfi th' Ecem^ eye, whofe fight difcerns 
ftfft thoughts, from fo^th his holy mount, 
;om within the golden lamps that burn 
f before him, faw, without their light, 
lon rifing ; few in whom how fpread 7 j j 

g thefoni of mom, what multitudes 
>anded to Oppofe high his decree ; 
niling to his only Son, thus ikid. 
, thou in whom my glory I behold 
refplendence, heir of all my might, 726 

it now concerns us to be fure 
omnipotence, and with what arms 
?an to hold what anciently we claim 
ty or empire : fuch a foe 
ig, who intends t* trcd his throne 72^ 

CO oiirs, throughout the fpacious north ; 
> content, hath in his thought to try , 
de, what our pow*r is, or our right. 
. advife, and to this hazard draw 
peed what force is left, and all employ 73d 
defence ; left unawares we lofe 
•ur high place, our faa^ary, our hill, 
whom the Son with calm afpetSt, and clear, 
ling divine, ineffable, ferene, 
arifwer. Mighty Father, thou thy foes 73 J 
haft in derifion, and fecure 
I'ft at their vain defigns and tumults vain ; 
r to roe of glory, Whom their hate 
ates, when they fee all regal pow'r 
me to quell their pride, and in event 74.O 

whether I be dextrous to fnbdue 
ebels, or be found the worft in heav'n. 
fpalce the Son ; but Satan, with his powers, 
as advancM on winged fpeed, an hoil 
nerableas the ftars of night 74^ 

trs u^f morning dew-drops, which the furt 
arls op ev'ry leaf and ev'ry flower. 
ns they pafs'd, the mighty regencies 
rupbim, anJ raccntates, and TViro^^^ 



I3P PARADISE LOST. Booil 

In their triple degrees ; regions to which fp 

^11 thy dominion, Adam, is no more 

Than wh:it this garden is to all the earthf i 

And all the fea.. from one entire globofe 

Strctch'd into longitude ; which having paTs'di 

At length into the limits of the north . 7JJ 

They came ; and Satan to his Royal feat 

iiigh on a hill, far blazing, as a mount 

RaisM on a mount, with pyramids aod tow'rs 

From diamond quarries hewn, and rocks of gold ; 

The palace of great JLucifer, (fo call lU 

That ftru^ure in the dialect of men ' 

Interpreted) which not long after, be 

Affeding all equality with God, 

In imitation of that mount whereon 

Mefliah was declared in fight of heay'n* 75{ 

The mountain of the congregation call'd ; 

l^or thither he afTembled all his train, 

pretending fo commanded to confult 

About the great reception of their King, 

Thither to come ; and with calumnious art 77O 

pf counterfeited truth, thus held their ears. 

Thrones, dominations, princedoms, virtueSi pow'n» 
If thefc magnific titles yet remain • 
Not merely titular, fincc by decree 
Another now hath to himfielf ingrofs'J 77J 

AH pow'r, and us eclips*d under the name 
Of King anointed : for whom all this hafte 
Of midnight- march, and hurried meeting here, 
This only to confult how we may bcft, 
With what may be devis'd of honours new, 780 

Ileceive him, coming to receive from us 
Knee tribute yet unpaid, prodration vile. 
Too much to one, but double how endur'd. 
To one and to his image now proclaimed. 
But what if better couufcls might creft 785 

0"r minds, and teach us to call off ihis yoke ? 
Will you fuhmit your necks, and chufe to bend 
The fupple knee ? Ye will not, if I trull 
To know ye rij^ht, or if you know yourfclvcs 
Ndtivcs and foas of hca^i'u jotttW i Vdwc^ ^^fi 



a. PARADISE LOST. i$| 

ie : and if not equal all, yet.freCf 
I7 free ; for orders and degrees 
t with liberty, but well conlift. 
an in reafon then, or right, a^Turoe 
cby over fuch as live by right 795 

ualsy if in pow'r and fpiendour lefsy 
dom equal ? or can introduce 
ad edidl on us, who without law 
t ? much lefs for this to be our Lord, 
»ok for adoration, to th' abufe 800 

fe imperial titles, which afiert 
ling ordain'd to govern, not to £crvi, 
s far his bold difconrfe without control 
idience ; when among the Seraphim 
, than whom none with more zeal ador'd 805 
eity', and divine commands obey'd^ 
up^ and in a flame of zeal fevere 
irrent of his fury thus oppos'd. 
gument blafphemous, falfe and proud ! 
which no ear ever to hear in hcav'n 8 xo 

edjleaft o{ all from thee, ingratc, 
:e thyfelf fo high above thy peers. 
Lhou with impious obloquy condemn 
ift decree of God, pronounc'd and fwom, 
o his only Son, by right endu'd 8iy 

egal fceptre, ev*ry foul in heav'n 
>end the knee, and in that honour due 
s him rightful King ? Unjull, thou fay 'ft, 
unjuft, to hind with laws the free, 
qual over equals to let reign, 820 

rcr all with unfuccecded power, 
hou give law to Goo ? fbalt thou difpnte 
um the points of liberty, who made 
vhat thou art, and form'd the powers ofheav*n 
is he pleas'd, and circumicrib'd their being i Sz§ 
' experience taught, we know how good, 
four good and of our dignity 
>rovi(lent he is ; how far from thought 
kc us lefs, bent rather to exalt 
ippy fiatc, under one head more near 8 JQ 

Sat to grant it thee unjuft, 




I 



]^ A R A DISE t Osti 

BOOR 

TaEARGUMtHT. 

Raphael continues to relate komt Michael and Calrkl^m 
Jent forth to battle againft Satan an4 his angels. TiJt 
f^ft fight defcrihed: Satan and hit ponjuers retire undet, 
night : he calls a council^ ifwents devilijh engines ^ luhiA 
$71 the fecond day* s fight put Michael and Jh^s angels ti 
Jome dipfrder ; but they at length phUling up fkoyn^ns^ ^ 
overnvhelmed both the free and machines tfSatoft^ yei 
the tuinult not fi> endingt God on the third day fends. ' 
Meffiah his fon^ for nsihojn he had referred th§ glory ef 
that vi6iory : he in the prwer of his Father canting to tm , 
placet and caufing all his legions tojiandflilkon either 
Jide^ nsiith his chariot and thunder driaiug intfi the m0 
of his enemies^ purfues them^ unable to refijlf tomardi, ' 
the n\)alls of heaven ; nvhich openings they leap dpnsm ^fdth 
horror and corfujion into the place of punijhtne^t pre* 
pared for them in the deep : Mejpah returns ]ni}iib tri^ . 
umph to his Father. 

AL L night the dreadlefs angels unpurfyi'dt ^ 

Through heav'n's wide champain held his waft ; 
till morn, t,, ,., * 

WakM by the circling hours, with rofy l)and. , . . 
UnbarrM the gates of light. Therf; is a|C5i.y^ ^ , ,,. 
Wiihin the mount of GdD, faft by his thronisf j «., J.'> 
tVhcre light and darknefs in perpetual roundf^*.;, ^„.f^{ 
Lodge and diilodge by turns, which mal^fts . wisf^Aj{ 
Gracefiil viciflitude, like day and night ; Qiq^y^^ 

Light iflues forth, and at the other door . , ;.*j ji 
Obfcquious darkncfs enters, till her hour . 10 ^ 

To veil the heav'n, though darkncfs there might well ' 
Seem twil'ght here : and now went forth the mom" ' 
Such as in jiigheft heav'n array'd in gold 



VL ' PARADISE LOST. 13J 

iroagh with orient beams; when all the plain 15 
d with thick embattled fquadronc bright, 
•ts and flaming arms, and fiery deeds 
ing blase on blaze, firft met his view, 
e pcrc^iv^d, war in procinifl ; and found 
[y known what he for news had thought 20 
re reported J gladly ihen he mix'd 
g thofe friendly pow'rs, who him rccciv'd 
07 aii^ acclamations loud, that one, 
f fo inany myriads fall'n, yet one 
iM not loft, . On to the faired hill 15 

ed him high applauded, and prefcnt 
Ac feat fupreme ; fi-om whence a voict, 
nidft a golden cloud, thus mild was heard, 
ant of'QoD,well done, well liaft thou fought; 
rttcr fight, who fingle haft maintiin'd JO 

i fCYohed multitudes the caufe 
th, m word mightier than they in arms ; 
)r the tcftimpny of truth haft borne 
ikl reproach, for wprfc to bear 
Biolence : for this was all thy care^ 55 

id'arpptoV'd in fight of God, though worlds 
. thcc perverft. . The eafier conqueft now 
ns thee, aided by this hoft of friends, 
iQ thy foes more glorious to return 
com'd thou did'U depart ; and to fubdue 40 
ce» wiio rcafon for their law refufe, 
vcdion for their law, and for their King 
1, who by right of merit reigns. 
Ichatl, 6t <sefeftiai armies prince ; 
lou in nflrilitary prowef§i.^fiext, 4^ 

:1, lead tbnh to bateie thefe my fons 
Lble, leiad forth my armed faints, 
^uCuidt and hf millions, rangM for fight, 
m number to that godlefs crew 
ious : therm with fire and hoftile arms 50 

(s affaulti and to the brow of heav'n 
ng, drive them out from God and blifs, 
leir place of puniihment, the gulf 
rtarus, which rcwdj opens wide 
ry chsLOS to receive their falL !^^ 

R. 



138 PARADISE LOSlT, BooiVL 

Have rais'd inceffant armies to defeat 
Thy follv ; or with folitary hand 
Reaching beyond all limit, at one bloWy i^f 

Unaided, could have finifli'd thee, and whelm'd . ' 
Thy legions under darknefs ; but thou fcrft 
All are not of rhy train ; there he who faith . 
-Prefer and piety :o God, though then 
To thee not vifible, when I alone 14J 

Kf cm'd in thy world erroneous to difTent 
trom all : my fed thou feeft ; now learn too late 
How few fometimes may know, when thoufands err. 
Whom the grand fr )e, with, fcoriiful eye afkance/' 
•Thus anfwer'd. Ill for thee, but in wiihM Irour ijf 
Of my revenge, fir ft fought for thou retum'il 
From flight, feditious Angel, to receive 
Thy merited reward, the firft cffay . - 
Of this right hand pmyok'd, fmce firft that tongue^ 

■ Infpir'd witli contradi^ion^ durft oppofc . ijfj 
A third part of the gods, in fynod met} 

Their deities to aflert, who while they feel . 
Vigour divine within them, can allow 
Pmnipotence to none. But well tlwu com'ft 

■ Before thy fellows, ambitious to win i6d 
From me fome plume, that thy fuccefs may flio^fr 
Deftru(5lion to the reft : .this paufe between 
(Unanfwer'd left tliou boaft) to let thee know ; 

At firft I thought that liberty and heav'n 

To heav'nly fouls had been all one ; but now i6f 

I fee that moft through floth had rather ferve, 

MInift'ring fp'rits, train'd up in fcaft and fbng ; 

f uch haft thou arm'd, the mirJlrclfy of heav'n, 

Servility with freedom to contend, , 

As both their deeds compar'd this day {hall prove. !?• 

To v.'hom in brief thus Abdiel ftern reply*d, 
Apoftate, ftill thou err'ft* nor end wilt find 
Of erring, from the path of truth remote : 
Unjuftly- thou deprav'ft it with the name 
or f'^rvitude, to ferve wliom God ordains, lyj 

Or Nature ; God and Nature bid the fame, 
When he wlio rules is worthi- ft, and ejccls 
lliem whom he governs* T\iv^'\si-TvA>vl^^ . 



L PARADISE LOST. ly 

th' unwife, or him who hath rebelled 
his worthier, sis thine now ferve thee, 1 80 
not free, but to thyfelf inthraU'd 
ily dar'ft our minift'ring upbraid, 
ibu m hell, thy kingdom ; let me ferve 
n God ever bleft, and his divine 
)hey, worthieft to be obey'd ; t8j 

ns in helly not realms, expedl ; mean while 
s retUrnM, as erft thou faidfl, from flight, 
leting on thy impious creft receive, 
'ing, a noble ilroke he lifted high, 
mng not, bat fo fwift with tempeft fell 190 
3roud creft of Saun, that np fight, 
ion of fwift thought, lefs could his fhield, 
n intercept : ten paces huge, 
recoil'd ; the tenth on bended knce^ 
fy fpear upftay'd ; as if on earth ip^ 

nder ground, or waters forcing way, 
g had puih'd a mountain from Ills feat, 
ik with all his pines. Amazement feiz'd 
el thrones, but greater rage, to fee 
i'd their mightieft ; ours joy fill'd, and (liout^ 
of viAory, and fierce dcfire 24) i 

: : whereat Michael bid found 
h- angel trumpet ; through the vaR of heav*fl 
ed, and the faithful armies rung 
L to the hfgh'eft : nor ftood at gaze zcf 

erfe legions, nor lefs hideous join'd 
rid fhook Now florming fury rofe, 
mour fuch as heard in hcav'n till now 
rcr ; arms on armour clafliing bray'd 
: difcord, and the madding wheels £i^ 

;n chariots ragM ; dire was the noife 
i& ; over head and difmal hifs 
darts in flaming vollies flew, 
ing vaulted eithet hoft with fire, 
r fiery cope together rulh'd £ 1 j 

ttles main, with ruinous a/Tiulc 
'Xtifigiiinial>le rage : all hcav'n 
led ; and had earth l^en then, att ft^T\\v 
hcrceat€r Oiook, What WQXidis ^. ^^Vi^"a 



140 PARADISE LOST. BooitVt 

Millions of fierce cncount'ring angels fought 220 
On either dde, the lead of whom could wield 
Thefe elements, and arm him with the force 
C)f all their regions ; how much more of pow'r 
Army' againft army numbcrkfs to r»Mfe 
Drcadfid combuftfon waning, and difturb, 22) 

Though not deilroy, their happy native feat ; 
Had not th' eterniJ King omnipotent. 
From his ftrong hold of heav'n, high over rul'd 
And limited their might, though numbered fuch 
As each divided legion might have feem'd 239 

A numerous hod, in (Irength each armed band 
A legion, led in %ht, yet leader feem'd 
f.ach warrior fingle as in chief, expert 
When to advance, or ftand, or turn the fway 
Of battle, open v;hen, and wheH to clofe 23J 

jL'he ridges of grin) war : no thought of flight, 
None of retreat, no unbecoming deed 
That arguM fear ; each on himfelf reiy'd, 
As only in his arm the moment lay 
Ofvidory: deeds of eternal fame 24? 

V/erc done, but infinite ; for wide was fpread 
Tj^.at war, and various, fometimes on firm ground 
A (landing fight : then foaring on main wing 
Tormefited all the air; all air feem'd then 
Conflidling fire. I^ong time in even fcale 24J 

The battle hung ; till Satan, who that day 
Prodigious pow'r bad Ihown, and met in arms 
No equal, ranging through ihe dire attack 
Ofxfighting Seraphim confus'd, at length 
Saw wh :re the fv/ord of Michael fmoie, and fell'd 250 
liquadrons at once ; with huge two handed fway 
BranJiOiVi alofc, the horrid eilu;e came down 
Wide wdftiiig ; fuch deftru<5lion to withftand 
He haftcd, and oppob d the rocky orb 
Of tenfold adam.int, his ample (hield, 15S 

A vaft circunilercnce. At Lis approach 
The great A rih- angel from his v/arlike toil 
iSurceas'd, and glad, as hoping here to end 
Jntcdine war in hcav'n, ih* ATdvV'cit VwVidw'd 



Vl. PARADISE LOST* 141 

ifage all inflam'd firft thus began. 

bor of ev'il, unknown till thy revolt, 

i*d in hcav'n, now plenteous, as thou feed 

i^s of hateful (Infe, hateful to all, 

h hcavicft by juft meafure on thyfclf, 265 

ly adherents : how haft thou dilUirb'd 

\*s Heifed peace, and into natuie brought 

, uncreated till the crime 

rebellion ? how haft thou inftilPd 

alice into thouiands, once upright 270 

lithful, now prov'd falfe ? But think not here 

able holy reft ; heav'a cafts thee out 

ill her confines. Hcav'n, the feat of blifs, 

1 not the woi ks of violence and war. 

then, and evil go with thee along, 275 

fspring, to the place of evil, hell, 

md thy wickwcrew ; there mingle broils, 

is avenging fword begin thy doom,. 

le more fudden vengeance winged from God 

itate thee with augmented pain. 280 

pake the Piince of angels j to whom thus 

Iverfary. Nor think thou with the wind 

f threats to awe whom yet with deeds 

ranft not. Haft thou turn'd the leaft of thcle 

;ht, or if to fall, but that they rife 285 

quifh'd, eafier to tranfa^l with me 

hou (hould'ft hope, imperious, and with threats 

ife me hence ? Err not, that fo Ihall end 

rife which thou call'ft evil, but we ftyle 

rife of glory ; which we mean to win, 290 

n this heav*n itfelf into the hell 

fableft ; here however to dwell free, 

to reign: mean while ihy utmoft force, 

)in him nam'd Almighty to thy aid, 

ot, but have fought thee far and nigh. 2pj 

y ended parle, and both addrefs for fight 

akable ; for who, though with the tongue 

igels, can relate, or to what things 

on earth confpicuous, that may lilt 

n imagination to fuch height 3c© 

ihkepow'rf for likeft-god^ vtt^ fcwcJ 4^ 



142 PARADISE LOST, Boosn ^ 

Stood they or mov'd, in ftature, motion, arms, 
Fit to decide the empire, of great Hcay*n. 
Now wav'd their fiery fwords, and in the air 
M ide horrid circles ; two broad funs their fhields yj 
Blaz'd oppofite, while expeftation Hlood 
In horror : from each hand with fpeed retir*d, 
Where crft wa«^ thickeft fight, th' angelic throng, 
And left large field, unfafe within the ^ind 
Of fuch commotion ; fuch as, to fct forth • 310 
Credit things by fmall, if nature's conc6rd brbkcj 
Among the conftellations war were fprting. 
Two planets, ruCiiftg from afpcft malign 
Of fie re eft. oppolition, in mid llSfy, 
bhoald combat, and theii JArringipheres confound. 31J 
Together both, with next t' Almighty arm 
Uplifted imminent, one ftroke tlMy aimM 
That might determine, and not need repeat, . 
As not of pow'r at once ; nor odds appeared 
In might or fwift prevention ; but the fword $10 

Of Michael from ihe armoury of God 
Was giv'n him temper'd fo, that neither keen 
Nor foliJ might refill that edge : it met 
The fword of Satan, with deep force to fmite 
Defcending, and in half cut (beer ; nor ftay'd, 32/ 
But with fwift wheel reverfe, deep ent'ring, (har'd 
All his right fide ; then Satan firft knew pain, 
And writi'd him to and fro convolv'd » fo fore 
The griding fword with difcontinuous wound 
Pals'd through him : but th' ethereal fubftancc clOsM 
Not lorg divifible ; and from the gafli 3JI 

A dream of ne<ft'rous humour ifluing flowed 
Sanguine, fuch as celeftial fp'rits may bleed. 
And all his armour ft:ain'd, ere while fo bright* 
Forthwith on all fides to his aid was run 33 J 

By Angtls many and ftrong, wlio intcrpos'd 
Defence ; while others bore him on their fhields 
Back to his chariot, where it ftooJ retir'd 
From off the files of war ; there they him laid 
Gnafiilnjr for anguifli, and defpite, and fhame, 34O 
To find himfelf not matchlcfs, and his pride 
Hiuiibkd by inch rebuke, to £ai\)^ut^v\i 



VL PARADISE LOST. 14^ 

nfidence to equal God in pow'r. 
)n he heal'd ; for fp'rits that live throughout 
Q ev'ry part, not as frail man 34.5 

-ails* heart or head, liver or reins, 
t but by annihilating die ; 
their liquid texture mortal wound 
e, no more dian can tlie fluid air : 
art they livf , all head, all eye, all ear* 350 
elled, alLfenfe ; and as they pleafet 
imb,tiieinielves» and colour, ihape, or fize 
e, as like them beft^ condenfe or rare. " 
n while in other parts like deeds deferv'd 
rial, where tlie might of Gabriel fought, 355 
'ith fierce enrigns4>icrc*d the deep array 
locli, furious^ king ; who him defy'd, 
t his chariot- wheek to drag him bound 
;en'd, not from ttt Holy One of heav'n 
[i'd his tongue blafphemous ; but anon 360 
cloven to the waift, with ihatterM arras 
ncouth pain fled bellowing. On each wing 
md Raphael, his vaunting foe, 
;h huge, and in a rock of diamond arm'd, 
ifh'd Adrameleck, and Afmadai, 365 

lotent Thrones, that to be lefs than gods 
a'd, but meaner thoughts learn'd in their f)ight» 
ed with ghaflily wounds through plate and mail. 
)od unmindful Abdicl to annoy .. 
hied crew, but with redoubled blow 370 . 

md Arloch, and the violence 
iniel fcorch'd' and blafted, overthrew, 
ight relate of thoufands, and their names 
ze liere bh earth ; but thofe elert 
I, contented with their fame in heaven, 375 
ot the praife of men : the other fort, 
ht though wondrous, and in z6ts of war, 
' renown lefs eager, yet by doom 
'd from heav'n and facred memory, 
efs in dark oblivion let them dwell. 380 

ength from truth divided, and from juft, 
ibk, naught merits but difpraife 
^ominy; yet to glory afpitcs. 



14+ PARADISE LOST. BooiVI. 

Vain glorious, and through infamy feeks fame : 
Therefore eternal filencc be their doom. 38J 

And now their mightieft quell'd, the battle fwtnr'd 
With many an inroad gor'd ; deformed rout 
Enter'd, ard foul difordcr > all the ground 
With (liiverM armour ftrown, and on a heap 
Chariot and charioteer lay overtum*d, 390 

And fiery foaming ftecds ; what ftood, recoil'd 
O'er-weatied, tlirough the faint Satanic hoft 
Dcfenfive fcarce, or with pale fear furpri&'d. 
Then fir ft with fear furpris'd, and fenfe of pain. 
Fled ignominious, to fuch evil brought 39^ 

By fm of difobedicnce, till that hour 
Not I'able to fear, or flight, or pain. 
Far other wife th* inviolable faints, 
In cubic phalanx firm, advanc'd entire* 
Invulnerable, impenetrably arUlM; 40O 

Such high advantages their innocence 
Gave them above their foes, not to have finn*d> 
Not to have difobey'd ; in fight they ftood 
Unwearied, nnobnoxious to be pain'd 
By wound, though from their place by violence mo/A 

Now night her courfe began, and over heaven 406 
Inducing darknefs, grateful truce imposMf 
And filence on the odious din of war: 
Under her cloudy covert both rctir'd, 
Vi(5tor and vanquilh'd. On the foughren field 410 
Michael and his Angels prevalent 
Incamping, plac'd in guard their watches roundi 
Cherubic waving fires ; on th' other part, 
8.\tan with his rebellious difappear'd, 
Far in the dark diflodg'd ; and void of reft, 41 J 

l-jis potentates to council calPd by night $ 
And in the midft thus undifmay'd began. 

O now in danger try'd, now known in arms 
Not to he over pow'r'd, companions dear. 
Found worthy not of liberty alone 420 

Too mean pretence, but what ve more e{£e&f 
Honour, dominion, glory, and renown ; 
Who have fuftain'd one day in doubtful fight» 
(And i£ one day, why iio\. etunal duys ?) 



:VL PARADISE LOST. 145 

t hcav'n's Lord had powerfulleft to fend 42 J 
nft us from about his throne, and judg'4 
:ient to fubdue as to his will, 
>rove& not fo : then fallible, itfcems, 
ture we may deem him, though till now 
ifcient thought. True is, lefs firmly arm'd, 430 
; dtfadvantage we endur'd, and pain, 
low not known, but known as foon coptemn'd^ 
now we find this our empyreal form 
mble of mortal injury, 

rifhable, and though pierc'd with wouQd» 43 J 
clofing, and by native vigour heal'd. 
'il then fo fmall as eafy think 
remedy ; perhaps more valid arms, 
pons more violent, when next we meet, 
fervc to better uf,. and worfc our foes, 440 

qual what between us made the odds, 
Ltore none : if other hidden oaufe 
them fupcrior, while we can prefcrvc 
urt our minds, and underftanding found, 
iearch and confultation will difclofe, ^^ 

e fat ; and in th' aifembly next upftood 
ich, of principalities the prime ; 
ne he flood efcap'd from cruel fight, 
toil'd, his riven arms to havock hewn, 
cloudy in afped thus anfw'ring fpake. 451^ 

rliverer from new lords, leader to free 
yment of our right as gods ; yet hard 
grods, and too unequal work we find, 
infl unequal arms to fight in pain, 
infl unpain'd, impaffive ; from which evil 45J 
I mud needs enfue ; for what avails 
ur or ftrength, though matchlcfs, quell'd withpaia 
ch aU fubdues, and makes remifs the hands 
lightied ? Senfe of pleafure we may well 
e out of life, perhaps, and not repine ; 46Q 

live content, which is th^ calmefl life : 
pain is perfcjft mifery, the word 
rils ; and excedive, overturns 
33ti&nce. He who therefore can invent 
I what more /brcible we may offend ^^^ 

S a 



■fAjS *PA|IADISE LOSX^ ?ooijfl. 

\ .' .... . . . 

Our yet unwonnded enemies, or arm 
Ourfelvcs with like defence, to me defenres 
Kg kfi than for deliverance what we owe/ 

> . Whereto wathrlobk composM Satan reply*d/ 
Not uninventcd that, which thou aright , 47(1 

Believ'ft fo main to our fuccefs^l bring. 
Which of ns. who beholds the bright fumce 
Of this ethereous mould whereon .we ftand» 
This continent of fpacious beav'n/ adorn'Oy - 
'With plant, fruit* flow*r, ambrofial, gems smd gold 5 
Whofe eye fo fupef ficially furvcys 476 

Thefe thitigs> as not to mind from whence they grotr' 
Deep under grbund, materials dark and crude, 
0f fpirit'ous and fiery fpume, till touch'd 
With hcay'n*s ray, and tempered, they fhoot forlji 480 
So beauteous. ot>'ning to the ambient light ? 
*rhefe in their dark nativity the deep . 
Shall yield us, pregnant with infernal: flame ; 
Which into hollow engines, long and round. 
Thick tamm'd, atth' other bore with touch of fire 48; 
Dilated and infuriate, fhall fend forth 
From far,: with thundering noifc^ramong .our foes 
Such implements of mifchief, as fhall daih '. 

. To pieces, and o'^rwhclm whatever flanicls . 
Adverfe, that they fhall' fear we have difkrm^d 49f 
The Thund'rer of his only dreaded bolt. • 
Kor long fhall be bur labour j yet ere dawn, 
EfFed fhall end. our wrfh. Mean while revive ; 
Abandon fear ; to ftrength and counfel joined 
Think nothing hard, much lefs to be defpair'd. 49} 

He ended, and his words their drooping chear 
Enlightened, and iheir languifh'd hope revived. 
Th' invention all admir*d,' and each, how he 
To be th' inventor mifs'd ; fo eafy' it feem'd 499 
Cncefound, which yet unfoundmoft would have though^ 
Impofllble.'i Yet haplyjf thy race 
In future days, if malice fhould abound. 
Some, one intent on mifchief, or infpir'd 
.With devilifh machinations, might Jevife 
Like inftruments to plague the fons of men Jojf 
tot fw, on war and inu\.u^\ ftaAx^bits beat. 



kVL paradise lost. 147 

hwiih from council to the work they flew ; 

e arguing flood ; innumerable hands 

e ready ; in a moment up they turn'd 

e the celefttal foil, and faw beneath 5 !• 

original of nature in their crude 

reption ; fulphiur'ous and nitrous foam 

jT found, they J7iingled,^and with fubtle art, 

:o6icd and adufted they reduc'd 

»lackeft grain, and into ftore convey 'd ; 515 

hidden veins diggM up (nor hath this earth 

ails unlike) of mineral and (lone, 

:reof to found their engines and their balls 

aiffive ruin ; part incentive reed 

ide, pernicious with one touch to fire. 520 

U ire day- fpring, und^r confcious night, 

et they finifh'd, and in order fety 

1 fijcnt circumfpeftion unefpy'd- 

ow when fair mom orient in beav'n appear'di, . 

ofe the vidor AngeU, and to arms 5 25 

matin trumpet fung : iii arms they ftood 

;olden panoply, refulgcnt.hoift, 

I banded ; otbens from the dawning hills 

k'd round, and fcoiits eachcoaft Irght-iumed fcour, 

1 quarter, to defcry the diftant foe, 53® 

rrc lodg'd, or whither fled, or if for flight, 

lotion or in halt ^ him foon they met 

er fpread enfigns moving nigh, in flow 

firm battalioiv 5 back with fpeediefl fail .1 

fiiel, of Cherubim the fwifteft wng, ^35 

le fly'ing, and in mid air aloud thusxry'd. 

rm warriors, arm for fight ; the foe at hand, 

>m fled we thought, will fave us long purfuic 

; day } fear not his flight ; fo thick a cloud 

:omes, and fettled in his face I (ee ^40 

refolution, and fecure : let each 

adamantine coat gird wdl, and each 

^ell his helm, gripe faft his orbid fliield, 

\t cv*n or high ; for thiii day will pour down, 

conjeAure ought, no drizzling fhow'r, ^^ 

rattling (lorm of arrows barb'd with fire. 

> wanx\|' he tbf m|.aware thcmfcVi^^) ^a^ ^<d^tk 



t4« PARADISE LOST. BookVL 

In order, quit of all impediment ; 

Inftanc without diflurb they took alarm 

And onward move embattled : vfhcn behold -55$ 

Not diftant far with heavy pace the foe 

Approaching grofs and huge, in hollow cube 

Training his devilifti enginery, impal'd 

On ev'ry fide with fhadowing fquadrons deep. 

To hide the fraud. At interview both ftood 55J 

A- while ; but fuddenly at head appear'd . 

Satan, and thus was heard commanding loud. 

Vanguard, to ]i?ht and left the front unfold ; 
That all may fee who hate us, how we feek 
Peace and compofure, and with open bread jS* 

Stand ready to receive them, if they like 
Our overture, and turn not back perverfe : 
But that I doubt ; however witncfs heaven, 
Heav'n witnefs thou anon, while we difcharge 
Freely our part ; ye who appointed (land, 56^ 

Do as you have in charge, and briefly touch 
What we propound, and loud that all may hear. 

So (coffing in ambiguous words, he fcarce 
Had ended ; vvhf n to right and left the front 
Divided, and to either flank rctir'd : 570 

Which to our eyes difcover'd, new and ftrange» 
A triple mounted row of pillars laid 
On wheels (for like to pillars moft thty feem'd, 
Or hoUow'd bodies made of oak or fir. 
With branches lopt, in wood or mountain felled) 57J 
Brafs, iron, ftony mold, had not their mouths 
With hideous orifice gap'd on us wide, 
Portending hollow truce : at each behind 
A Seraph Hood, and in his hand a reed 
Stood waving tipt with fire ; while we fufpcnfe 580 
CQlle<fled flood withifi our thoughts amus'd 
Not long ; for fudden all at once their reeds 
Put forth, and to a narrow vent apply'd 
With niccft touch. Immediate in a ilame, 584 

But foon obfcur'd with fmoke, all heav'n appearM, 
Frcm thofe deep throated engines belch'd, whofe roar 
JmboweWd with outrageous noife the air, 
Anii allbci entrails tore, d\%w*4Vi\^lQ>\l 



kVL paradise lost. 149 

r devilifli glut, chainM thunderbolts, and hatl 
•on globes ; which on the vidor hoft 590 

!ll*d, with fuch impetuous fury fniote, 
t whom they hit, none on their feet might ftand» 
ugh (landing elfe as rocks, but dovi:!* they fell 
houfands. Angel on Arch angel roll'd j 

fooncrfor their arms ; unarm'd they might 595 

e cafily, as fp'rits evaded fwift 

luick contradHon or remove ; but now 

i diflipation foUow'd, and forc'd rout ; 

fervid it to relax their ferried files. 

It (hould they do? if on they niih'd, repulfe 6c O 

eated, and indecent overthrow 

bled, would render them yet more defpi&'d, 

I to their foes a laughter ; for in yicw 

•d rank'd of Seraphim another row, 

ofturc to difplodc their fecond tire 605 

hunder : back defeated to return 

y worfe abhorr'd. Satan beheld their plight, 

I to his mates thus in derifion calPd. 

friends, why come not on thefe vigors proud ? 
while they fierce were coming ; and when we, 619 
mtcrtain them fair with. open front 
I bread (what could we more ?) propounded termt 
ompofition, ftraight they chang'd their minds, 
V off, and into ftrange vagaries fell, 
hey would dance ; yet for a dance they feem'd 615 
lewhat extravagant and wild, perhaps 
joy of offer'd peace : but I fuppofe, 
ur propofals once again were heard, 
fhould compel them to a quick refult. 
whom thus Belial in like gamefome mood. 623 
.eader, the terms we fent were terms of weight, 
lard contents, and full of force urgM home, 
h as we might perceive amusM them all, 
i (luiQbled many : who receives them right, 
1 need from head to foot well underftand ; ' 6i§ 
underftood, this gift they have befides, 
y (how us when our foes wulk not upright, 
o they among themfelves in pleafint vein 
3d fccffing, heighten'd in tl^^ir thou2|kxt& bc^ots4 



156 PARADISE LOST; BookW 

All doubt of v'lAoTj ; eternal might 6jf 

To match with their inventions they prefum'd 
So eafy', and of his thunder made a fcom» 
And all his hod derided, while they ftood 
A while in trouble : but they ftood not long : 
Rage prompted them at length, and found them arnt 
Againil fuch hellifh mifchief fit t' oppofe. 636 

Forthwith (behold the excellence, the pow'r. 
Which God hath in his mighty angels plac'd ) 
Their arms away they threw, and to the hills 
( For Earth hiith this variety from Hcav'a 64* 

Of plcafure fituate hi hill and dale) 
Light as the lightening glimpfe they ran,. they flewj 
From their foundations loos'ning to and fro, 
They pluck'd the featcd hills, with all tbeli- load. 
Rocks, waters, woods, and by the (baggy tops 64J 
Up lifting bore them in their hands. A^mazCy 
Be fure, and terror, fciz'd the rebel hoft. 
When coming towards them fo dread they faw 
The bottom of the mountains upward turn'd ; i 

Till oTi thofe curled engines triple-row 65^ ' 

They faw them whelm'd, and all their confidence 
Under the weight of mountains buried deep ; 
Themfelves invaded next, and on their heads 
Main promontories flung, which in the air, 6j4 

Came (hadowing, and opprefsM whole legions arm'd; 
Their armour help'd their harni, crufh'd in and bruis'i 
Into their fubftance pent, which wrought them pain 
Implacable, and many a dolorous groan, 
Long ftruggling underiicath, ere they could wind 
Out of fuch pris'on, though fp'rits of purcft light, 660 
Pureft at firft, how grofs by finning grown. 
The reft, in imitation, to like arms 
Betook them, and the neighb'ring hills uptore: 
So hills amid the air encountcr'd hills 
Hurl'd to and fro with jaculalion dire, 66^ 

That under ground they fought in difmal fliade ; 
Infernal noife ; war feem'd a civil game 
To this uproar ; horrid copfufion heap'd 
Upon confufion rofe. And now all heav'a ? 

Had gone to wiack, w'lih i\im 0N^\C^x^9.d> 670 



t PARADISE LOST. 151 

th' Almighty Father iMrhere he fits 
n his (anfluary of heaven fecurc, 
igon the fumof thingb, forcfsen 
Lult, and pexmitted all, advis'd : 
great purpofe he might ii) fulfill, 675 

ur his anointed Son avcng'd 
> enemies, and to declaTe 
r on him tr-insfcrr*J : whence to his Son, 
for of his throne, he thus h^gan. 
•ence of my glory, Son belpv'd, 689 

hofc face invitible is held 
vhat by deity I am, 
vhofc hand whiit by decree I do, 
Omnipotence, two d.iysare pall, 
rs, as we compute the days of h^iav'n, 685 
cliiiel and his po\Vers went forth to tame ' 
fobedient : fore hatli been their fight, 
eft was, when two fuch foes met arm'd ; 
icmfclves I left them ; and thou kuow*ft 
rheir creation tliey were form'd, 69a 

at (in hath impairM ; which yet hath wrought 
y, for I fufpend their doom ; 
itt perpetual fiQ;ht they needs muft laft 
and no folution will be found : 
iried hath performed what war can do, 69 J 
liforder'd rage let loofe the reins, 
juntains as with weapons arm*d ; which make$ 
iA in heav'n, and dang'rous to the main. 
n are therefore paft, the third is thine 5 
1 have ordain'd it, and tlius far 70a 

FerM, that the glory may be thine 
ig this great war, fmce none but thou 
it. Into thee fu.h virtu^e and grace 
: I have transfus'd, that all may know 
n and hell thy powV above compare ; 70^ 
5 pcrverfe commotion gbverri'd thus, 
ifeft thee worthicft to he Heir ' 
iT.gs* to be Heir, and to be King 
d unftion thy deferved right. 
, thou m»ghtieft, in thy Fath.Vs m'ght^ 710 
hy chjirwt, guide the rapid v?h^d% 
T 



152 PARADISE LOST. BooiVL 

That (hake heav'n's bads ; bring forth all my var, 
My bow and thunder, my almighty arms 
Gird on, and Iword upon thy pui^ant thigh ; . 
Turfue thefe fbns of darknefs, drive them out 715 
IVom ixW heav'n's bounds into the utter deep ; 
There let tl^em learn, as likes them, to dcfpifc 
God, and McGiah his anointed King. 

He fntd, ai^d on his Son wilh rays dire^ 
Shone full ; he iill his Father full eiprefs'd 7IQ 

Ineffably into his face received ; 
And thus the Filial Godhead anfw*rlng fpake. 

O Father, C) Supreme of hcav'nly Thrones, 
Fira, Higheft, Hoiicft, Beft ; thou always fcck'ft 
To glorify thy Son, I always thee, 715 

As is moajuft : tliis I my glory* account* 
My exaltation, and my uhol^ delight. 
That thou, in me well pleasM, declar'ft thy wiU 
Fulfill'd, vbich to fulfil is aU my blifs. 
Sceptre and pow'r, thy giving, 1 alFume ; . 7J0 

And gladlier (hall refign, when in the end 
Thou fhalt be all in alU and I in thee 
For ever, and in me all whom thou lov'ft i 
r>ut whom thou hai^il, I hate, and can put 0& 
Thy terrors, as I put thy mildnefs on, 75^ 

Image of thee in all things ; and fhall foon, 
Arm'd with thy might, rid heav'n of thefe rcbcUM, 
To their prepared ill manfion driven down. 
To chains of darknefs, and th' undying worm. 
That from thy juft obedience could revolt, 740 

Whom to ob^fy is happinefs entire. 
Then fhall thy faints unmix'd, and from th' impure 
Far feparate, circling thy holy mount. 
Unfeigned Hallcluliahs to thee fing, 
Hymvs of high praife^ and I among them chief. 745 

So faid, he, o'er his fceptre bowing, rofe 
From the right hand of glory where he fat. 
And the third facred morn began to ftiine, [found 

Dawning through hcav'n. Forth rufh'd with whirlwind 
The chariot of Paternal Deity, 750 

Flafhing thick flames, wheel within wheel undrawOf 
itfelfiniVm^ wilh fpiiit, bvi\. cQWio^'^ 



VI. PARADISE LOST. 153 

ir C3icrabic (hapes ; four faces each 
(Tondrous ; as with flars, their bodies all, 
nngs, were fet with eyes, with eyes the wheels 
yl, and careering fires between ; 736 

heir^eads a crystal firmament, 
;on a fapphir throne, inlaid with pure 
r, and colours of the fliow'ry arch, 
celeftial panoply arm'd 760 

liant Urim, work divinely wrought, 
dcd ; at his right hand vidory 
gle-wing'd ; bcfide him hunp his bow, 
uiverwith three- bolted thunder ftor'd? 
roih about him fierce effufion foll'd 765 

oke, and bickering flame, and fparkles dire, 
ded with ten thoufand thoufand faints, 
ward came : far off hts troming fiione ; 
wenty thoufand { I their number heard ) 
)ts of God, half on each hand, were feen. 770 
the wings of Cherub rode fublime 
e cryftalline iky, in fapphir tiiron'd, 
ions far and wide ; but by his own 
sen : them unexpeded joy ferpriz'd, 
the great enfign of Meffiah bla^'d 775 

by Angels borne, his fign in heav'n ; 
r whofe condudt Michael foon reduc'd 
•my, circumfus*d on either wing, 
- their head imbodied all in one. 
• him pow'r divine his wa^ prepar*d ; 780 

i command ih' uprooted hills rctir'd 
to his place ; they heard his voice, and went 
uious ; Heav'n his wonted fdce renew'd, 
i;vith frefli flowerets hill and valley fmil'd. 
is faw his hnplefs foes, but ftood obdur*d, 785 
lO rebellious fight rallied their powers, 
fate, hope conceiving from defj^air. 
av'nly fp'rits could luch perverfenefs dwell, 
3 convince the proud what figns avail, 
mders move th' obdurate to relent ? 790 

hardened more by what might moft recl^m, 
ing to fee his glory, at the light 
€nry; nnd sifpirkig to his hc\g\it^ 
T 2 



tj4. PARADISE LOST. BooiVt 

Sroo 1 rcimhatded fierce, by force or fraud 

Weening tn profpcr. and at length prevail 79J 

Againft God and Mcfliah, or to fall 

In univerlal ruin loft : they now " 

To final battle drew, difdalning flight, 

Or faint retreat ; when the great Son of God 

To all bis hoft on either hand tlius fpake. 8ot 

Stand ftill in bright array, ye Saints, here ftandi 
Ye angcli arm'd, this day from battle reft ; 
Faithful haih been your warfare, and of God 
Accepted, fearlefs in his righteous caufe ; 
And as yc have recciv'd. lb have ye done 80J 

Invin.'ibly, but of th'« cnrfed crew 
1 be piinifhment to o'her hand belongs ; ; 

Ven^^eance is his, or whofe he fole appoints : 
Number to thi^ day's work is not ordain'd^ 
Nor multitude ; ft and oniy, and behold 819 

God's indignation on thefe godlefs pour*d 
By me ; not you, but me. they have defpis'd» 
Yet envied ; againft me is all their rage, 
Becaufe the Father, t' whom in heav'n fupreme 
Kingdom, and pow'r, and glory appertains, 81 j 

Ha^h honoured me, according to hi:> will. ' 

1 hv refore to mc their doom he hath aftign'd. 
That they may have their wilh, to try with me 
In battle which the ftrongcr proves, they all, 
Or I alon? againft tliem, fince by ftrength 8W 

They racafure all, of other excellence 
Not emulous, nor care who them cxrels ; . 
Nor other ft rife witli them do I vouchfafe. 

So fpake the Son, nnd ipto terror chang'd 
K's coui^t'nance too fcvere to be beheld, tlj 

And full of wrath bcr.t on h^s enemies. 
At once the Four fpread out their ftarry wings 
W-'.h dreadlul fhade contiguous, and the orbs 
Of his fierce chariot rolKd, as with the found 
Of torrent floods, or of a num'rous hoft. 85O 

Jri't on his impious foes rijcht onward drove. 
Gloomy as night ; under his burning wheels 
The ftedfaft empyrean (h'ok throughout, 
AU but the throne ixitXi oi Oot>. Yvi>\lv>;iii 



VL PARADISE LOST. X5S 

g them be arrived, in his right hand 835 

ing ten thouf<ind thunders, which he fent 

: him, fuch as in their foul infixed 

:s : they aftonifh'd all refi (lance loft, 

urage ; down their idle weapons dropt : 

lields, and hflms, and helmed heads he rode 840 

rones and mighty Seraphim proftrate» 

viOi'd the mountains now might be agaia 

m on them, as a ibelter from his ire. 

(s on cither fide temped nous fell 

rows, from the fourfold- vifag'd Four 845 

SI with eyes, and from the living wheels 

SI alike with multitude of eyes ; 

)irit in them rul'd, and ev'ry eye 

I lightning, and (hot forth pernicious fire 

g th' accurs'd; that withered all their ilrength, 

f their wonted vigour left them drain'd, 8jl 

:fted, fpiritlefs, affli^ed, fallen. 

ilf his ftrength he put not forth, but check'd 

lunder in mid volley ; for he meant . 

Micftroy, but root them out of heav'n : 855 

irerthrowahe rais'd, and as a herd 

its or timorous flock together throng'd, 

them before him thunder fti !».,k, purluM 
terrors and with furies to the bounds 
ryftal wall of heav'n ; which op'ning wide, 860 

inward, andafpacious gap difclos'd 
le wafteful deep: the monftrous fight 
: them with horror backward, but far worfc 

tliem behind : headlong thcmfclvcs they threw 

from the verge of heav'n ; eternal wrath 865 

after them to the bottomlefs pit. 

1 heard th* infufFerable noife, hell i;iw 

n running from Heav'n, and would have fled 

;hted ; but ftrid Fate had caft too deep 

ark foundations, and too faft had bound. 870 

iays they fell : confounded Chaos roar'd, 

*elt tenfold confufion in their fall 

igh his anarchy, fo huge a rout 

iberM him with-ruin : Hell at laft 

mg received them wholey and ou ihtm ^<^^ ^% 



156 PARADISE LOST. BookVL 

Hdl, iheir fit habitation, fraught with fire 876 

Unquenchable, the lioufe of woe and pain. 
Difbarden'd heav'n rcjoic'd, and foon repaired 
Her inural breach, returning whence it rollM. 

Sole Yi&OT frooi th* expulfion of his foes, 880 

Meffiab his triunjphal chariot turnM ; 
To meet htm all his faints, who filent dood 
Eye-witneflcs of his Almighty afts, 
With jubilee advanc'd : and as they went, 
Shaded with branching palm, each order bri^t, 88j 
Sang triumph, and him fung vi^orious King, 
Son, Heir, and Lord, to whom dominion giv'n, 
Wortliieft to reign : he celebrated rode 
Triumphant tlirough mid heaven, into the courts 
And temple of his mighty Father thron'd 890 

On high ; who into glory him received, 
Where now be fits at the tight hand of blife. 
' llius meafuring things in heay'n by things on earthy 
At thy requeft, and that thou maj'ft beware. 
By what is pall, to thee I have reVeal'd 89$ 

What might have elfe to human mce been hid ; 
The difcord which befel, and war in heav'n 
Among th* angelic pow'rs, and the deep fall 
Of thofe too higti afpiring, who rebelPd ' 
With Satan ; he who envies now thy ftate, 9C# 

Who now is plotting how he may feduce 
Thee alfo from obedience, that, with him 
Bereav'd of happinefs thou may'ft partakf 
His pTiniihmcnt, eternal mifery ; 
Which would be all his folace and revenge, 905 

As a defpitc done a^cjainft the Mod High, 
Thee once to gain companion of his woe. 
But liften nor. to his temptations ; warn 
Thy weaker ; let it profit thee t' have beared 
By terrible example the reward 910 

OF difobcdience ; firm they might have ftood, 
Jfct fell ; remember, and fear to tranfgrefs. 



End ot the Svxth Cook, 



PARADISE I.OST, 

BOOK VIL 



The Argument. 

Raphael 9 at the reqtteft of Adam^ relate i how ani *< 
fore this nuorld ijtjas firfi created; that Godj after the 
expelling of Satan and hi i angels out of heaven ^ declared 
bis pUafure to create another nuorld, and other creatures 
to dwell therein ; fends his Son- ^with glory and attend^ 
ance of angels to perform the tsjork of creation in Jm 
days : the angels celebrate with hymns the perfirvsancs 
thereof and his reafcetifion into heaven. 

DESCEND from Hcav'n, Urania, by that name 
If rightly thou art call'd, M^hoie voice diviiie 
Following, above th' Olympian hJll 1 foar. 
Above the flight of Pegafean wing. 
* The meaning, not the name, I call : fox thou « 5 
Nor of the Mufes nine, nor on the top 
Of old Olympus dwelPft ; but heavenly born. 
Pefore the hills appeared, or fountain flow'd. 
Thou with eternal Wifdom didft converfe, 
Wifdom thy fifter, and with her didft play 10 

In prcfence^of th' Almighty Father, pleas'd 
With thy celcftial fong. Up led by thee. 
Into the Heav'n of Heavens I have prefum'd. 
An earthly gueft, and drawn empyreal air. 
Thy tempering ; with like fafety guided dowa^ 15 
Return me to my native clement : 
Left from this flying unrein'd (as once 
Bellerophon, though from a lower clime), 
Difniounted, on th' Aleian field I fail, 
Erroneous there to wander, and forlorn, . 2O 

Half yet remains unfung, but narrow bound 
Within the vifible diurnal fphere ; 
Standing on earth, not rapt above the pole, 
More fafe I fwg with moral voice, UTvcVvaxv^^ 
Tohodrfe or mute, though fsdVu on t\VL^3^» ^S 



158 PARADISE LOST. BookVH 

On evil days though falPn, and evil tongues ; 

In darkncl's, and with dangers compafi'd round, 

And folitiidc ; yet not alone while thou 

Vifit'Il my flumbcrs nightly, or when mom 

Purples the eaft ; flill govern thou itiy fong, iP 

Urania, and fit audience find, though few. 

But drive far off the barbarous diflbnance 

Of Bacchus and his revellers, the race 

Of that wild rout that tore the I'hracian bard 

In Rhodope. where woods and rocks had ears jj 

To rapture, till the f<ivage clamour drown'd 

Both harp and voice ; nor cculd the Mufe defend 

Her fon. So f lil not thou, who thee implores ; 

For thou art heav'nly, Ihe an empty dream. 

S iy« goddefs, what enfu'd when Kaphaelf 4* 

The affable Arch- angel, had foi warn'd 
Adam by dire example to beware 
Apoltafy, by what befcl in Heav'n 
To thofe apoftatcs. loll the like befal 
In Paradife to Adam, oi his race, 45 

Chavg'd not to touch the interdidled tree. 
If they trinfgrefs, and (I'ght that fole command. 
So eafily obey'd, amid the choice 
Of all talles elfe to pleafe their appetite, 
Though wanu'ring He with his conforted Eve 50 
The (lory heard attentive, and was fill'd 
With admiration and deep mufe to hear 
Of things fo hiffh and ftrange, things to their thought 
So unimaginable as hate in Heav'n, 
And war fo near the peace of God in blifs, 55 

With fuch confufion : but the evil foon 
Driv'n back rebounded as a flood on thofe 
From whom itfprunc:* impolfible to mix 
With blcffednefs. Whence Adam foon repealed 
The doubts that in his heart arofe • and now 60 

Led on, yet finlcfs, with defire to know 
What nearer might concern him, how this world 
Of Heav'n and earth confpicuous firft began. 
When, and whereof created, for what caufe, 
IVhut within Eden, or without whs done 65 

l^cforc his memory, a^ on^i v;\\o^e dxc^^^vJc^x. 
Yet fc&rcc allay M iViU cyc^iYic cuiiocl VXx^Mti^ 



;l paradise lost, ijj 

quid murmur heard, new third excites, 
d thus to afk his heav'nl)r gucft. 
things » and full of wonder in our ears, 70 
:ing from this world, thou haft reveal'd, 
itcrpreter, by favour fent 
om the empyrean to forwarn 
f of what might elfe have been our lofs, 
n which human knowledge could not reach : 
h to th' infinitely good we owe 76 

1 thanks, and his admonilhment 
with folemn purpofc to obfei ve 
jly his fov'reign will, the end 
we are. But ilnce tliou haft vouchfaPd 80 
3r our inftru(f^ion to impart 
.bove earthly thought, which yet concern'd 
wing, as to higheft wifdom ieem'd, 
I defcend now lower, and relate 
ay no lefs perhaps avail us known, 85 

\ began this Heav'n, which we behold 
To high, with moving fires adorn'd 
-able ; and this which yields or fills 
5, the ambient air wide inter fus'd 
ing round this florid earth ; what catife 90 
le Creator, in his holy reft 
1 all eternity, fo late to build « 

s; andthe work begun, how fooQ 
1 ; if unforbid thou may'ft unfold 
e not to explore the fecrets afk 95 

:ernal empire, but the more 
nify his works, the more we know. 
: great light of day yet wants to run 
^his race though fteep ; fufpence in Heaven 
thy voice, thy potent voice, he hears, ico 
iger will delay to hear thee tell 
eration, and the rifing birth 
re from the unapparent deep : 
; ftar of evening and the moon 
> thy audience, night with her will bring 10/ 
and fleep lift'ning to thee will watch ; 
an bid his abfence, till thy fong 
id difmii^ thee ere the morning l\\\n«. 
U 



iSu PARADISE LOST. BooiVU. 

Thus Adam his illuftrious gueft befought ; 
Anri thus the Godlike Angel anfwer'd mild. I lo 

This allb thy requeft with caution afk'd 
Ohtain : though to recount Almighty works 
What words or tongue of Seraph can fufficc. 
Or heart of manl'uitice to -coniprehend ? 
Yet what thou canfl attain, which bcft may ferve II5 
To glorify tlie Maker, and infer 
Thee alfo happier IkiU not be withheld 
Thy hearing ; fuch commiffion from above 
I have received to anfwer thy defire 
Of knowledge within bounds ; beyond abftain 12^ 
To a(k, nor let thine own inventions hope 
Things not revcaVd, "which th' invifible King, 
Only omnifcient, hath fupprefs'd in night, 
To none communi. v.te in Earth of Heav*n : 
Enough is left befidcs to fearch and know. 125 

But knowledge is as food, and needs no lefs 
Her temp'rance over appetite, to know 
In meafure what the mind may well contain ; 
Opprcfies elfe with furfeit, and foon turns 
Wifdc^m to folly', as nourifhment to wind. IJO 

Know then, that after Lucifer from Heaven 
(So call him, brighter once amidft the hoft 
Of Angels, than that ftar th€ (lars among) 
Fell with his flaming legions through the deep 
Into his place, and the great Son returned IJj 

V'<5\nrious with his faints, ih* Omnipotent 
Eternal Father from his throne beheld 
1'heir multitude, and to his Son thus fpake. 

At laft our envious foe hath faiPd, who thought 
All like himfelf reb^'llious, by >^hofe aid 14O 

This inaccefilble high (Ircngth, the feat 
Of Deity fiiprcnie, us difpcifefsM, 
He trufted to have foi.oM, and into fraud 
Drew many, whoni their place knows here no more: 
Yet far the greater part have kept, I fee, ^ 145 

Their fcalion • Ileav'n yet populous retains 
jNumber fufficient to pofTefs her realms 
Though wide, and this liigh temple to frequent 
With mrniftcrics due aT\<i foVeir.iv T\x.ts\ 
Ijuc left his heart cxak buu l;i xVit \\ajm \V* 



. PARADISE LOST. i6i 

one, to have difpcopled heav'n, 

jc fondly deem'd, I can repair 

iment, if fuch it be, to lofe 

and in a moment will create 

¥orId, out €3if one man a race 155 

inumcrable> there to dwell, 

till by degrees of merit rais'd, 
1 to themfelves at length the way 
, under long obedience try'd ; 
be chang'd to Heav'n, and Heav'n to Earth 
lorn, joy and union without end. 1 6 1 

le inhabit lax, ye Powers of Heav'n ; 
my word, begotten Son, by thee 
rform : fpeak thou, and be it done ; 
ladowing Sp'rit and might with thee 1 65 
ng ; ride forth, and bid the deep 
^pointed bounds be heav'n and £arth> 
the deep, becaufe I am who fill 
, nor vacuous the fpace. 
\ uncircumfcrib'd myfclf retire, 1 70 

not forth my goodnefs, which is free 
not, neceiHty and chance 
i not m^ and what I will is fate. 
:e th* Almighty, and to what he fpake 
i, the filial Godhead, gave effedt 175 

:e are the z6ts of God, more fwift 
e or motion ; but to human ears 
ithout procefs of fpeech be told, 
J earthly motion can receive, 
imph and rejoicing was in heav'n, 1 80 

:h was heard declared th' Almighty's will : 
ty fung to the mod High, good will 
5 men, and in their dwelling peace ; 
him, whofe juft avenging ire 
'h out th* ungodly from his fight, 1 8^ 

habitations of the juft ; to him 
d praife, whofe wifdom had ordain'd 
: of evil to create, inftead 
1 malign a better race to hrine 
vacant room, and thence diffiue 190 

I to worlds and ages iafinitc« 
U 2 



l62 PARADISE LOST. BookVIL 

So fang the Hierarchies. Mean while the Son 
On his great expedition now appear'dy 
Girt with oninipotence, with radiance crown'd 
Of majefly divine ; fapience and love • I9{ 

Immenfe, and all his Father in him (hone. 
About his chariot numberlefs were poured 
Cherub and Seraph, Potentates and Thrones, 
And Virtues, wing'd Sp-rits, and Chariots wing'd 
From th* armoury of God ; where ftand of old act 
Myriads between two brazen mountains lodg'd 
Again ft a fokmn day, harnefs'd at hand, 
Celedial equipage ; and now came forth 
Spontaneous, for within them fpirit liv'd, 
Attendant on their Lord : heav'n opened wide 205 
Her ever during gates, harmonious found 
On golden hinges moving, to let forth 
The King of Glory in his pow Vul Word 
And Spirit coming to create new worlds. 
On heavenly ground they flood, and from the fiiore 
They viewed the vail immeafurable abyfs, til 

Outrageous as a fea, dark, wafteful,. wild* 
Up from the bottom tumM by furious winds. 
And furging waves, as mountains, i -> aiFault 
Heav'n's height, and with the centre mix the pole. 21 J 

Silence, ye troubled waves, and thou deep, peacei 
Said then th' omnific Word, your difcord end : 
Nor ftay'd ; but on the wings of Cherubim 
Uplifted, in paternal glory rode 
Far into Chaos, and the world unborn ; 2i9 

For Chaos heard his voice : him all his train 
Follow'd in bright proceffion, to behold 
Creation and the wonders of his might. 
Then ftay'd the fervid wheels, and in his hand 
He took the golden compaffes, prepar'd t2f 

In God's eternal ftore, to circumfcribe 
This univerfe, and all created things ; 
One foot he ccnter'J, and the other turn'd 
Round through the vaft profundity obfcure. 
And faid. Thus far extend, thus far thy bounds, Jjo 
This be thy juft circumference, O world 1 
• Thus God the Heav'u ctc?LX.tA,xW^\Vve Earth 
Matter unform'd and void •, d^xVcids Yc^lwixA 



JJookVIL PARADIS]? lost. 163 

0)vcr'd th* abyfs ; but on the wat'ry calm 
His brooding wings the fp'rit of God outfpready 235 
And vital virtue infus'd, and vital warmth 
Throughout the fluid mafs ; but downward purg'd 
The black, tartareous, cold, infernal dregs, 
Adverfe to life : then founded, then conglob'd 
Like things to like, the reft to feveral place 240 

Diijparted, and between fpun out the air. 
And Earth felf- balanced on her centre hung. 
• Let there be light, faid God ; and forthwith light 
Etherealy ^ft of things, quintefTence pure, 
Sprang from the deep, and from her native eaft 245 
To journey through the airy gloom began, 
Spher'd in a radiant cloud ; fpr yet the fun 
Was not ; ihe in a cloudy tabernacle 
Sojoura'd the while. God faw the light was good; 
And light from darknefs by the hemifphere 250 

Divided : light the day, and darknefs night 
He nam'4 Thus was the firft day ev'n and mom 2 
Nor paft. uncelebrated, nor unfung 
By the celeftiaji quires, when orient light 
Exhaling firft from darknefs they beheld ; 255 

Birth- day of heav'n and eartji ; with joy and fhout. 
The hollow univerfal orb they fiU'd, 
And touch'd their golden harps, and hymning prais'd 
God and his works ; Creator him they fung. 
Both when firft cv'ning was, and when firft mom. 260 

Again, God faid, Let there be fii*mament 
Amid the waters, and let it divide 
The waters from the waters : and God made 
The firmament, expanfe of liquid, pure, 
Tranfparent, elemental air, diffus'd 265 

In circuit to the uttermoft convex 
Of this great round : partition firm and fure. 
The waters underneath frpm thofe above 
Dividing ; for as earth, fo he the world 
Built on circumfluous waters calm, in wide 270 

Cryftalline ocean, and the loud mifrule 
Of Chaos far remov'd, left fierce extremes 
Contiguous might diftemper the whole frame : 
And heav'n he nam'd the firmamexvt : ^o e^^ii 
And moruinQ chorus fung the &cou4 dvj* a-\^ 



i54 PARADISE LOST. BookVH. . 

The earth was foritiM, but in the womb as yet 
Of waters, cmJbryon immature involved, 
Appear'd not : .over all the face of earth 
Main ocean flow'd ; not idle, but with warm 
Prolific humour foft'ning all her globe, 280 

Fermented the great mother to conceire. 
Satiate with genial moifture ; when God (aid| 
Be gather'd now yc waters under lieav'n 
Into one place, and let dry land appear. 
Immediately the mountains huge appear 28{ 

Emergent, and their broad bare backs upheave 
Into the clouds, their tops afcend the £ky : 
So high as heav'd tlie tumid hills, fo low 
Down funk a hollow bottom, broad and deep, 
Capacious bed of waters ; thither they 290 

Haded with glad precipitance, uproU'd 
As drops on duft conglobing from the dry ; 
Part rife in cr/ftal wall, or ridge dire<5t, 
For hafte ; fuch flight the great command imprefi'd 
On the fwifc floods : as armies at the call 295 

Of trumpet (for of armies thou haft heard) 
Troop to their ftandard, fo the wat'ry throng. 
Wave rolling after wave, where way ihey found, 
If ftcep, with torrent rapture, if through plain 
Soft ebbing ; nor withftood them rock or hill, 300 
But they, or under ground, or circuit wide 
With ferpent error wand 'ring found their way. 
And on the waftiy oofe deep channels wore ; 
Eafy, ere God had bid the ground be dry, 
All but within thofe banks, where river* now 305 
Stream and perpetual draw their humid train. 
Tilt dry land, earth, and the great receptacle 
Of congregated waters, he call'd feas ; 
And faw that it was good ; and faid. Let th' earth 
Put forth the verdant grafs, heib yielding feed, 3 10 
And fruit tree yielding fruit after her kind, 
Whofe feed is in herfelf upon the earth. 
Hf fcarce had fiiid, when the bare eartli, till then 
Defcrt and bare, unfightly, unadom*d, 
Brought fonh the lender ^,rafs, whofc verdure clad 315 
Her riniVerfil fiice w\t\\ pVeAC^Tvx.^,tctTv\ 
Tlicn kcibs of ev'rv Vtaf, x\\iv. Cxx^idtw^ONN^i*^ 



BookVIL paradise LOST. 165 

Pp'ning their various colours, and made gay 
Her bofoiQ fwellini; fweet : and thefe fcarce blown. 
Forth flourifli'd thick th* cluft'ring vine, forth crept 3 20 
The fmelling gourd, up flood the corny rtcd 
lEmbattled in her field, and th' humble ihrub, 
r And bufh with frizzled hair implicit : luft 
Rofe as in dance the (lately trees, and fpread 324 
Their branches hung with copious fruit, or gemm'd, 
The blofToms : with high woods the hills were crown'd, 
With tufts the valleys, and each fountain fide, 
With borders 'long the rivers : that earth now 
SeemM like to heav'n, a feat where gods might dwell, 
Or wander with delight, and love to haunt 330 

Her iacrcd ihades ; though God had yet not rain'd 
iJpon the earth, and man to till the ground 
^onc was ; but from the earth a dewy mift 
Went up and water'd all the ground and each 
Hani of the field, which, ere it was en th' earth, 335 
God made, and ev'ry herb, before it grew 
On the green Hem ; Goo faw that it was good : 
So cv'n and morn recorded the third day. 

Again th' Almighty fpake. Let there be lights 
High in th'expanfe of Hcav'n, to divide 34^ 

The day from night ; and let tliem be for figns. 
For feafons, and for days, and circling years ; 
And let them be for lights as I ordain 
Their office in the firmament of Heav'n, 
To give light on the Earth ; and it was fb. 34J 

And God made two great lights, great for their ufe 
To man, the greater to have rule by day. 
The lefs by night altcrn ; and made the flars. 
And fet them in the firmament of Heav'n, 
T' illuminate the Earth ; and rule the day 350 

In their vicifiitude, and rule the night. 
And light from darkncfs to divide. God law. 
Surveying his great work, that it was good : 
For of celeftial bodies firft the fun 
A mighty fpherc he fram'd, unlightfome firft, 355 
Though of ethereal mould : then form'd the mooa 
Globofe, and ev'ry magnitude of ftars. 
And fow'd with (Isirs 'he Heav'n thick as a &!d^\ 
Of light by tar thegreaUr part he took. 



i6« PARADISE LOST. BookVIL 

TranTplanted from her cloady fhrincy and plac'd 36b 

In the fun's orb, made porous to receive 

And drink the liquid light, firm to retain 

Her gather'd beams, great palace now of light. 

Hither, as to their fountain, other ftars 

Repairing, in their golden urns draw light, 36J 

And hence the morning planet gilds her horn ; 

By tindure or reflexion they augment 

Their fmall peculiar, though from humian fight 

So far remote, with diminution feen. 

Firft in the eaft his glorious lamp was feen, 376 

Regent of day, and all th' horizon roUnd 

Inverted with bright rays, jocund to run 

His longitude through Heav'n's high road ; the grey 

Dawn, and the Pleiades before him danc*d. 

Shedding fweet influence ; lefs bright the mooDi 375 

But oppofite in levell'd weft was fet 

His mirror, witli full face borrowing her light 

From him ; for other light (he needed none 

In that afpe<^ ; and ftill that diftance keeps 

Till night, then in the eaft her turn ihe (hines, 38f' 

Revolved on Heav'n's great axle, and her reign 

With thoufand leffer lights dividual holds. 

With thoufand thoufand ftars, that then appear'd 

Spangling the hemifphere : then firft adom'd 

With their bright luminaries, that fet and rofe, 385 

Glad ev'ning and glad morn crown'd the fourUi day. 

And God faid, Let the waters generate 
Reptile with fpawn abundant, living foul ; 
And let fowl fly above the earth, with wings 
DifplayM on th' open firmament of heav'n. 350 

And God created the great whales, and each 
Soul living, each crept, which plenteoufly 
The waters generated by their kinds. 
And ev'ry bird of wing after his kind, 394 

And faw that it was good, and blefs'd them, faying, 
Be fruitful, multiply, and in the feas. 
And lakes, and running ftreams, the waters fill ; 
And let the fowl be multiply M on th' earth. 
Forthwith the founds and feas, each creek and bay, 
With fry innumerable (wa.Tm, ^xvd ^o\^^ ^00 

Of&ih, that with ihcir &tis ^udftvm\tv^^cA^^ 



VII. PARAt)ISE LOST. 167 

inder the green wave, in fculls that oft 

be xnid fea ; part fmgle or with mate 

the fea weed their pallure, and through groves 

iVftray ; or fporting with quick glance, 405 

the fun their wav'd coats dropt V^ith gold j 
heir pearly (hells at eafe, attend 
lutriment ; or under rocks their food 

ted armour watch ; on fmooth the feal, 
snded dolphins play : part huge of bulk 410 
wing ur wield y',. enormous in their gait, 
ft the: ocean : there leviathan, . 
: of living creatures, on the deep 
j'd like a promontory, fleeps or fwlms, 
:ems a moving land, and at his gills j^ij 

in, and at his trunk fpouts out a fea. 
while the tepid caves, and fens, and iliores, 
brood as numerous h;itch, from th' egg that loon 
ig with kindly rupture forth difclos'd 
callow young, but feather'd foon and Hedge 420 
:umm*d their pens, and ibaring th' air fublime, 
:lang defpisM the ground, under a cloud 
fped ; there the eagle and the ftork 
ffs and cedar tops their eyries build : r . 

)ofcly wing the region, part more wife 42 jf 

(imon, rangM in figure wedge their way, 
gent of feafons, and fet forth 
airy caravan high over fcas ■ . . 
;, ai>d over lands with mutual wing . . .^. 

r their flight ; fo fteers the prudent craiie 430 
nnual voyage, borne on winds ; the air 
, as they pafs, fann*d with unnumber'd plumes j 
branch to branch the fnialler birds with fong 
d the woods, and fpread their painted wings 
r'n ; nor then the folemn nightingale 43 r 

1 warbling, but all night tun'd.her foft lays : 
s on filVer, lakes and rivers bath'd 

dow^ny breaft ; the fwan, with arched lieck 
ren her ^hije wings mantling proudly, rows 
:ate with oary feet ; yet oft thty quit 440 , 

ankt and rifmg on (lifF pennons, tow'r 
nid aerial iky : others on grouikd 
X 



i68 PARADISE LOST. BooicVIt 

Walk'd firm ;,the crcftcd cock, whofe clarion founds 
The filent hours ; and th* other» whofe gay train 
Adorns him, colourM with the florid hue 44; 

Of rainbows and ftarry' eyes The waters thus 
Wirh fidi replenifh'd, and the air with fowl, 
Ev'ning and morn folemniz'd the fifth day. 

The fixth, and of creation laft, arofe 
With cv'ning harps and matin ; when God faid, 450 
Let th' earth bring forth foul living in her kind, 
Cattle, and creeping things, and beaft of th* earth, 
Each in their kind The earth obeyed, and Rraight 
Opening her fertile womb, teem*d at a birth 
Innumerous living creatures, perfe^ forms, 455 

Limb'd and full grown ; out of the ground up rofc, 
As from his lair, the wild beaft where he wens 
In foreft wild, in thicket, brake, or den ; 
Among the trees in pairs they rofc, they walk'd ; 
The cattle in the fields and meadows green : 460 
Thofe rare and folitary, thefe in flocks 
Pafturing at once, and in broad herds unfpning. 
The graffy clcdo now calv'd, now half appeared 
The tawny lion, flawing to get free 
His hinder parts, then fprings asbrokcfrom bonds, 465 
And rampant ihakes his brinded hiane ; the ouace» 
The libbard, arid the tyger, as the mole 
Rifir.g, the crumbl'd earth above them threw 
In hillocks ; the fwift flag from under ground . 
Bore up his branching head : fcarce from his mould 470 
Behemoth, biggeft born of earth, upheaved 
His vaftnefs : fleec'd the flocks and bleating rofc. 
As plants : ambiguous between fea and land 
The river- horfe and fcaly crocodile. 
At once came forth whatever creeps the ground, 475 
1 nft <5l or worm : thofe wav'd their limber fans 
For wings and fmalle ft lineaments exa<5l 
In all the liveries decked of fummer's pride, 
With fpots of gold and purple', azure and green : 
Thefe as a line their long dirnenfion drew, 48# 

Streaking the ground with finuous trace ; not all 
Minims of nature ; fome of ferpent kind. 
Wondrous in lengUi aud coi^\).V^iic^> It^voU'd 



It PARADISE LOST. 169 

laky fbldsy and added wings. Firft crept 
rfimonious emmet, provident 485 

re, in fmall room large heart inclois'di 
of juft equality perhaps 
er join*d in her popular tribes 
monal'ty : fwarming next appeared 
nale bee, that feeds her hnfb ind drone 490 
illy, and builds her waxen cells 
>ney ftor'd : the reft are numberlcfs, 
m their natures know'ft, and gav'ft them names 
5 to thee repeated ; nor unknown 
>cnt, fubtlcft bead of all the field, 495 

5 extent foroetimes, with brazen eyes 
irjr mane terrific, though to thee 
ious, but obedient at thy call, 
heav'n in all her glory fhone, and rolPd 
tions, as the great firft Mover's hand 5C0 
leel'd their courfe ; earth in her rich attire 
mate lovely fmil'd ; air, warlr, earth, 
, filh, bead, was flown, was fwam, was walked 
It ; and of the fiith day yet remained, 
wanted yet the mafter work, the end 505 

et done ; a creature, who not prone 
ite as other creatures, but endu'd 
ndlity of reafon, might ercft 
ure and upright widi front fcrene 
the reft, fclf knowing, and from thence 51© 
limous to corrcfpond with heav'n, 
teful to acknowledge whence his good 
!s^ thither with heart, and voice, and eyes 
I in devotion, to adore 

irfiiip God fupreme, who made him chief 5 15 
is works : therefore th' Omnipotent 
Father (for where is hot he 
*) thus to his Son audibly fpake. 
s make now man in ©ur image, man 
imilitude, and let them rule 520 

: fifh and fowl of fea and afr, 
the field, and over all the eartli, 
ry creeping thing that creeps tli« ground* 
1, heform'd thee, Adami ihec, O ^V^ti> 
X z 



tyo PARADISE LOST- PooiV 

Duflof the ground, and in thynollrils breath'd i 
The hreath of life ; in his own image he 
Created thee, in the image of God 
Lxprefs, and thou hecam'ft a livtne fouL 
Male he created thee, but thy confort 
Female for race ; ' then blefsM mankind, and faidi 
Be fruitful, mukiply, and fill the earth. 
Subdue it, and throughmit dominion hold 
Over fifh of the fca, and fowl of the air. 
And ev'ry living thing that moves on th' earth. 
Wh'irevcr thus created, for no place 
Is yet di(lin<ft by name, thence, as thou know'ft, 
He brought thee into this delicious grove» 
This garden, planted with the trees of God, 
Delcdldble both to behold and tafte : 
And freely all thtir pleafant fruit for for>d 
Oave thee ; all forts are here that all th' earth yid 
Variety without end ; but of the free, • 
Which tafted works knowledge of good and evil. 
Thou may 'ft not ; in the day thou eat'ft, thou dy 
Death is the penalty impos'd ; beware, -, •• 
And govern well thy appetite, left Sin 
Surprife the^*, and her black attendant Death. 
' Here finifh'd he, and all that he hid made 
Viewed, and behold all was entirely good ; 
So ev'n and morn accomplifti'd the fizth day ; 
Yet not till the Creator from his work 
Defifting, though unwearied, up returned. 
Up to the Heav'n of Heav'ns, his l.igh al>ode, 
Thence to behold this new created world, 
Th' addition of his empire, how it ftiow'd 
In profpe 61 from his throne^ how good, how fair, 
Anfw'ring his great idea. Up he rode, 
FoUow'd with accLimaiion, and the found 
Symphonious often thc>ufand harps that tun* J 
Angelic harmonies : the earth, the air 
Refounded, (thou remember'ft, for thou heard*fl} 
The heav'ns and ail th'* conftellations rung. 
The planets in their ftation lift'ning ftood, 
WJjile the brir:ht pomp afcended jubilant. 
OpsD^ yc cvcrlafting g^ics, \.\it^ i>^T\7^» 



VII. PARADISE LOST. 171 

ye heav'ns, your living doors ; let in 

real Creator from his work return*d 

ficent, his fix days work, a world ; 

and henceforth ofc ; for God will deign 

it oft the dwellings of jull men, 570 

ited, and with frequent intercourfe 

:r will fend his winged mefi*engers 

*ands of fupernal grace. So fang 

lorious train afcending. He through heav^n^ 

>pen'd wide her blazing portals, led 57 C 

dd's eternal houfe diredl the way ; 

ad and aniple road, whofe dud is gold 

lavement ftars, as (lars to thee appear, 

a the galaxy, that milky way ; 

I nightly, as a circling zone, thou feed 580 

*r'd with dars. And now on earth the fev'ntli 

)g arofe in Eden ; for the fun 

:t, and twilight from the eaft came on, 

inning nigh : when at the holy mount 

av'n's high-feated,top, th' imperial throne 585 

idhead, fix'd for ever firm and fure. 

ilial Pow'r arriv'd, and fat him down 

his great Father ; for he alfo went 

>le, yet day*d (fuch privilege 

Omniprefence), and the work orduin'd, 590 

)r and end of all things ; and from work ' 

eding, blefsM and hallow'd the fev*nth day, 

Wng on that day from all his work : 

ot in file nee holy kept ; the harp 

trork, and reded not ; the- folemn pipe 595 

lulcimer, all organs of fweet dop, 

jnds on fret by dring or golderf wire 

er'd foft tuninfrs, inter mi x'd with voice 

1 or unifon ; of incenfe clouds, 

ig from golden cenfers, hid the mount. 6co 

on and the fix days a(fls they fung, 

are thy works, Jehovah, infinite • 

ow*r ; what thought can meafure thee, or tongue 

; thee ? greater now in thy return 

from the giant- angels : thee that day 605 

bunders magnify 'd ; but to ^i%'9X% 



172 PARADISE LOST. BookVIL 

Is greater thap created to deftroy. 

Who can impair thee, mighty King, or hound 

Thy empire ? Eafily the proud attempt 

Of ip'rits apoftate, and their rounfcls vain, 6iQ 

Thou haft repeU'd, while impioufly they thought 

Thee to diminifli, and from thee withdraw 

The number of thy woHhippers. Who fecki 

To leffen thee, againft his purpofe fcrvcs 

To manifeft the more thy might ; his evil 615 

Thou ufeft, and from thence rreat*ft more good. 

Witnefs this new-made world, another heav'n. 

From heav'n gate not far, founded in view 

On the clear hyaline, the glafly fea ; 

Of amplitude almoft immenfc, wiih ftars 6m 

Numerous, and evVy ftar perhapi a world 

Of deftin'd habitation ; but thou know'ft 

Their feafons : among thefe the feat of raen^ 

Earth, with her nether ocean circumfus'd, 

Their prefent dwelling place. Thrice happy men, 625 

And fons of men, whom Gop liath thus advanc'dy . 

Created in his image, there to dwell. 

And worftiip him ; and in reward to rule 

Over his works, on earthy in fea, or air ; 

And multiply a race of worfliippers, 630 

Holy andjuft : thrice happy, if they knotxr 

Their happinefs, and perfevere upright. 

So fung they, and the empyrean rung, 
With Halleluiahs : Thus was fabbath kept. 
And thy rcqueft think now fulfill'd, that aflc'd <5j5 
How firft this world and face of things began, 
And what before thy memory was done 
From the beginning* that pofterity, 
InformM by thee, might know ; if elfe thou fcek*ft 
Ought, not furpaflTing human meafure, fay. 64^ 



End of the Seventh Book. 



RADISE LOST* 

BOOK VIII. 

The Argument. 

enquires concerning celeftial f Motions ; is dotiht/ullj 
^ercdy and exhortid to fsarch rather things more 'mor* 
{knowledge : Adam ajjehts ; and ftill dejirous to 
n Raphael^ relates to htm 'what be remetnbered^nce 
ivn creation^ his placifig in Paradife^ his talk nuith 
concernifig Jolitiide ajid fit fociety^ his firjl meeting 
nuptials nuith Eve ; his difcourfe nvith the Angei 
'upoUf nuho^ after admonitions repeated^ departs* 

IE Angel ended, ^nd in Adam's ear 

So charming left his voice, that he a while 

;ht him dill fpeaking, (Ull ftood fij^'d to hear : 

as new wakM, thus gratefully rej^y'd. 

at thanks fufficient, or what recompenle 5 

have I to render thee, divine 

ian, who thus largely haft allay'd 

kirft I had of knowledge, and vouch&f 'd 

-iendly converfation to relate 

s elfe by me-unfearchable, now heard lO 

i^onder, but delight, and, as is due, 

;lory attributed to the high 

\x ? Something yet of doubt remains, 

I only thy folution can refolve. 

en 1 behold this goodly frame, this world, ij 
av'n and earth confiding^ and compute 
m^agnitudes, this earth a fpot, a grain, 
3m, with the firmament compared, 

II her number'd (lars, that feem to roll 

5 incomprehendble, (for fuch 20 

diftance argues, and their fwift return 

al) merely to officiate light 

i this opacous earth, this pun^loal fpot, 

ay and night, in all their vaft furvey 

s befides ; reasoning 1 oft admire^ a^ 

nuurc wife and frugal could comtmt 



174 PARADISE LOST. BooiVIIl. 

Suciii difproportions, miti fuperduous hand 

Sojmany noble bodies to create. 

Greater fo manifold^ to this one ufc, 

For ought appears, and on their orbs impofe j6 

Such reftlefs revohition day by day 

Repeated, while the fcdentary earth, 

Tlrat better might witli far lefs compafs move, 

ServM by more noble than herfeJf, attains 

Her end without lead motion, and receives, JJ : 

As tribute, fuch a fumlefs journey brought : 

Of incorporeal fpeed, her warmth and light ; 

Speed, to dcfcribe whofe fwiftncfs number fails. 

So fpake our fire, and by his countenance fccmM 
F.nt'ring on ftudious thoughts abArufe ; which £ve|l 
Perceiving, where fhe fat retir'd in (ight, 
V/ith lowlincfs majtftic from her feat. 
And grare th it won who faw to wifh her ftay, 
Rofe, and v%ent forth among her fruits and now'rs, 
I'o vifit how they profper'd, bud and bloom, 4J 

Her nurfery ; they at her coming fprung. 
And touchM by her fair tendance gladlier grew. 
Yc*X went fhe not, as not with fuch xlifcourfe 
Delighted, or not capable her ear 
Of what was high ; fuch pleafurc fhe rcferv'd,- 50 
Adam relating, fhe fole ;«uditrefs ; 
Hrr hufband the relator fhe preferred 
Before the Angel, and of him to afk 
Chofe rather ; he, fhe knew, would intennir 
Grateful digreflions, and folve high difpute JJ 

With conjugal carefTes ; from his lip 
Not words alone pleasM her. O when meet now 
f'uch pairs, in love and mutual honour join'd ? 
\VithgO':d,:fs like demeanour furth fhe went j 
Not unattended ; for on her, as a queen, 66 

A pomp of winning graces waited flil), 
And from about her fhot darts of defire 
Into all eyf s, to wifh her ft ill in fight. 
And Raphael now to Adam's doubt proposed 
Benevolent and facile thus reply'd 6j 

To aflz or fcarch I blame thee not ; for Heav'n 
Is as the book of God befoie \.\\ee fcl. 
Wherein to read his wouaiou^ v?otV%^ ^TiOi\«vrGL 



T; pARAblSfe LOST. i7i 

F, hours» or days, or months, or years, 
am, whether Heav'n move, or Earthi 79 
ot, if tho]4 reckon right ; the reft 
i or Angel the great /\rchite6t 
to conceal, and not divulge 
J to be fcafin'd by them who ought 
mire ; or ff they lift to try 7J 

:, K« his fabric of tlje heavens 
Le their difpates, perhaps to move 
:cr at their quafnt opinions wide 
] when the^y come to model Heav*h, 
late the ftars, how they wfU yield 9d 

:j frame, how build, unbuild, contrive 
^pearances, how gird the fphere 
ric and" eccentric fcribled o'er 
epycicl^, orb in orb. 

y thy reafs'ning this I guefs, 9^ 

3 tead thy offspring, and fuppofeft 
es bright and greater fhould not ferve 
3t bright, nor heav'n.fuch journeys run, 
ng ftill, when (he alone receiver 
it. Confider firft, th^t great ^ 

infers not excellence: the c^rth " 

1 con^parifon of hcay*n, fo fmalJ,' 
ing, may of folid good contain' 
ky ttrian the fun that barren (bineSi 
tue onitfelf works no cffc^, gj 

: fruitful earth ; there firft receiv'd 
s" inadfivc elfe, their vigeur find. 
I earth arc thofe bright luminaries 
but to thee, earth^s habitsyit. .^ 

ie Heav'ns wide circuit let k fpcak loi^ 

5r*s high magnifibence, who built 
IS, and h*s line ftretch'd out fo far ; 
may know he dwells not in his owti ; 
J too large for him to fill, . . 
I a fmall piirtition, and the reft 165 

for ufes to his Lord heft known* 
lefs of thofe circles attribute, 
umberlefs, to his omnipotence^ 
)rporeal fubftances could add 
djft/piHtual: methoutbmVCtiwc^X&Q^; \i^ ;jj 



17$ . PARADISE LOST.' Bo«VIIL- 

Who fmce the morning-hoor iiet out from HeaT% 
Where God rcfides, and ere mid day arrived 
InHEdcn ; diftance inexpreflTible 
By numbers that have name. But this I urge» 
Admitting motio^ in the heav'ns, to fhow 115 

Invalid that which thee to doi^bt it mov'd ; 
Nojt that I fo affirih, though fo it feem 
To thee who haft thy dwelling here on earth. 
God to remove his ways from human ienfe, 1 19 
Plac'd Heav'n from earth fo far, that earthly fightf 
If it prefume, ipigiat err in things too high* 
And no advantage gain. What if the fun 
Be' centtr to the world, and other ftarji 
By his attradivc virtue and their own 
Incited, dance about him various rounds ; iff 

Their wand'ring courfe now high, now low, thealud^ 
Progreflive, retrograde, or ftauding ftiU, 
In ux thou feed ? and what if (ev'nth to thefe 
The planet earth, fo ftedfail though (he (eem» 
Infenfibly three different motions move I 13P 

Which elfe to fev'ral fpheres thou mud afcribcy 
Mov'd contrary vyith thwart obliquitfesi': 
Or' fave the fun his labour, and that fwift 
Kodlurnal and diurnal rhomb fuppos'd, 
Invifibie elfe above all ftars,. the wheel i}5 

Of day and night ; which needs not thy belief^ 
If earth induftrious of herfelf fetch day 
Travelling caft, and with her part averfi: 
From the fun's beams meet night, her other part 
Still luminous by his ray. What if that light 14O 
Sent from her thronrh the wide tranfpicuous air. 
To the tcrreftrial mcnbn be as a ftar 
Enlight'nirg her by day, as {he by night 
This earth ? reciprocal, if land be there, 
riclds and inhabitants : her fpots thou feed 145 

As clouds, and clouds may rain, and rain pFodace 
Fruits in her foften'd foil, for fome to eat 
Alloted there ; and other funs perhaps, 
With their attendant moons, thou wilt defcry 
Communicating male and female light ; 150 

Whiih two great ftxcs aiumaXtxYvt^uoTld, 
Stor'd in cath orb pcibaps \V\\iiiom^tKk?x\wi, 



Vlli. iPARADlSE LOST, 177 

ich Taft rocmi In nature unpofTef&'d 

'ing foul, defert and defolate, 

to ihixte, yet fc^arce to contribute 15; 

orb a glimplbof light* convey 'd fo far 

1 to this habitable, which returns 

; back co them, is obvious to difpute. 

whether thus thefe things, or whether not ; 

her the fun predominant in heaven 169 

In the tatih, or earth rife on the fun ; 

x)m the eaft his Haming road begin, 

e from weft her filent courfe advance 

inofFenfive ptface, that fpinning fleeps 
sr foft axle, while (he paces ev'n, 1 65 

bears thee foft ^ith the fmooth air along ; 
t not thy thoughts with thatters hid ; 
5 them to Gon above, him ferve and fear ; 
her creatures, as him pleafes beft, 
•cvct placM, let him difpofe : joy thou 170 

lat he gives to thee, this Paradife, 
thy fair Eve ; Heav'n is for thee too higli 
loiir what pades there ; be lowly wife : 
c only ^hat concerns thee and thy being ; 
tti not of other worlds, what creatures there 1 75 

in what ftate, condition, or degree* 
•nted that thus far hath been reveard^ 
•f earth only, but of higheft Heav'n. 

whom thus Adam, clear'd of doubt, reply'd. 

fully haA thou fatisfy'd me, piirc 1 80 

iigenc* of heav'n. Angel ferene. 

frerfd from intricacies, taug6t to live, 

safieft Vay» ^or with perplexing thoughts 

iterrupt the (wcet of life, from which 

hath bid dwell far off all anxious careSt iBj 

not ntoleft us, unlefs we ourfelves 

them with wand'ring thoughts, and notions vaiill. 

ipt the mind or fancy is to rove " 

leck'd, and of her roving is no end ; 

varn'd, or by experience taught, flie Iearn» 190 

not to know at l^rge of thihgfi remote 
1 ufe, obfcure and £bt[c» but to kaovr 

which before us lies in dsoly lVfc» 
prim^ wTfdonf : what is ihofcj utxxxa^i 

y2 



4»o PARADISE Lost. feooKVlli. 

In goodnds and, in pow'r preemilient; 
Tell mc, how piay I know him, how ador^, 2I0 

From whom' I ihaye that thus I move and live, 
And feel that I am happier than I know. 
While thus I call'd,* and ftray'd, 1 knew not whither 
From where 1 firft drew air, and firft beheld 
This happy light ; when anfwer none retum'd, 285 
On a green (hady brinki proi'ufe of flowers, 
Penfivc 1 fat mc down : there gentle fleep 
Firft found me, and with foft oppreffion ftiz'd 
My (Jrouz:ed fenfe, untroubled, though 1 thought 
1 then was paffing to my former (lite' ' igo 

Infenfible, and forthwith to diffolve : 
When fuddeniy ftood at my head a dream^ 
Whofe inward apparition gently mor^d 
My fancy to believe I yet had being, 
And liv*d. One came, methought,of (hapc divine, tg$ 
And faid. Thy manfion wants thee, Adam, rife, 
Firft man, of men innumerable ordain'd 
Firft Father, call'd by thee, t come thy guide 
To the garden of blifs, thy feat prepared. 
So fayings by the band he took me rais'd, JCD 

And over fields and waters, as in air 
Gmootli Aiding without ftep, laft led nie tip 
A woody mountain ; whoft high top was plain, 
A circuit wide, incIos'd,>yith goodlieft trees 
Planted, wrrh walks, and bow'rs, that what f faw jcj 
Of earth before fcarce pleafant feem'd. Each tree ' 
J.oaden with faireft fruit, that hung to th' eye 
Tempting, ftirr'd in me fudden appetite 
To pluck and eat ; whereat I wak'd, and found 
Before mine eyes all real, as in the dream 310 

Had lively (hadow'd. H>:re had new begun 
My wandVing, had not be who was my guide 
Up hither," from among the trees appear'd, 
Prefence divine. Rejoicinj^ but with awe, 
In adoration at his feet 1 fell 5rj 

Submifs: he rcai 'd me,' and whom thou foiighc'ft I am» 
Said, mihUy, A'uthor of all this thou feeft 
yl6ore, -or round about ihee, or beneath. 
This Piimdifc I give thee, covmt "\x. vVvwt 
To tin and keep, and of v.\ie kvuito t«.v. v* 



^IIL yARAD'iSE tOST. iN 

f trfhe that in the garden grows 
"ly with glad heart : fear nere no dearth : 
the tree whofe operation brings 
rdge of good and ill, which I have fet 
dge of thy obedience and thy faithf $tS 

he garden by the tree of life,- 
iber what X warn thae, Ihon to tafte« 
an the bitter confeqaence ; for know* 
y thoQ eai'ft thereof, my fole command 
reff'd, mevitably thou fhalt die» 33^ 

hat day inortal : and this happy ftate 
)ofey expell'd fronn hence into a World 
and fofrow. . Sternly he pronounc'd 
id interdi^ion, which refotznds 
sadfnl in mine ear, though in my choice 33 j 
incur ; tut Toon his clear a^pe^ 
-d and gracious purpose thus renewed, 
y thefe fair bounds, but aU the earth 
t and .to thy race I give : as lords 
it, and all tilings that therein livCf . 34«^ 

in fea^ or air, beaO;, fiik and fowl, 
whereof each, bird and beaft behold 
heir ki^is; I bring them to receive 
bee their naiofies, and pay th^c fealty 
iw fubjc^ioa ; underftand the fame 341^ 

withtn their wat'ry re&den^e, 
her fummon'd, fmce they cannet change 
lemenc, to draw the thinner air. 
5 he fjpake, each bird and bead behold 
Lching two aad two^ thefe cow'ruiglow 35a 
landiihment, each bird (looj^'d on bis wing, 
i theni, as they pafs'd, and underftood 
ature, with fuch knowledge Gox> endu'd 
den apprehcniion But in thef^i 
not what naqthought I wanted ftiU ; 355 

the heavenly vifion thujs prefum'd. 
• what name, for thou above all thefe, . . 
mankind, or ought than mankind higher^ . 
eft far by naming, how may I , 

thee^ Author ot ibis univerfe, 360* 

I this nrood to man ? for whofe ^t\!L-\^€cck^ 
ly, and with hands fo iiteial^ 



iN ^AJlABlSlS LOS*. BiAiVrit* 

Thou haft provided all thing's : but with one* ' * • \ 
I fee TKJt who partakes. In ITflitude' ■■ . . • 

What happincfs, who can enjoy alon^^ ' j6j • 

Or all enjoying, what contentttient ^d'? i •' > 
llftii I prefumptuous ; and the vifion bright,' •' • '•■ ^ 
As: v:iih a ftnile more brighteo'd, thtiS 'Tef>ly*di 

What cairft thou folitude* fe »or iheekfitf^ I'.i- ■ .^ 
With various living creatUre^i atid> the "afr, ^ ' • '3"7#\, 
RcpleniiVd, and all thefe at thy cortkrtiafid' i- '- 5! » '• 
To come and pla^ before thee ? KAoVftithbii n^ •" **■ 
Their language and their ways ? they 'alfd 'ftoow, 
And reafon not contemptibly ; with thcfe >• • ' 
Find paftinr^e, and bear rule ; thy realm ts large.- fff 
So fpake ^he univcrfal LoRt>, and feemM ' 

So ordering. I. ^ith leave of fpeech imptor'd^ 
And humble deprecation, thus reply M. ' 

Let not my words offend thee* heavenly PbwV, 
Mv Maker, he propitious while 1 fpeak. ^M ' 

Haft thou not made me here thy fubftitut^^- 
And thefe inferior far beneath me fet ? • 
Among ur.equals what fociety " 

Can fort, what harmony or true delight ? 
Which muft be mntuaL in proportion duel jlj' 

Giv'n and rccciv'd ; but in diiparity 
The' one intenfe, the 6thcr ftill remt&i 
Caiynot well fuit with either, but foon prove 
Tedious alike. Of fellowftip I fpeak ■• 

Snch as I feek, fit to participate ' Jjd' ' 

All rational delight, wherein the bmte 
Canftot be human confort : they rejoictf " " 

Each with thdr kind, lion with lionefs J 
So fitly them in pairs thou haft combin'd ; ■ 
Much lefs can bird with beaft, or fi(h with fowl 39^ 
So well converfe, nor with the ox the ape ; 
Worfe then can man with beaft, and leaft of all. . 
Whereto th* Almighty anfwer'd, not dilplcaa*dl 
A nice and fubrle happinefs I fee ^ 
Thou to thyfelf propofeft, in the choice 400 

Of thy affociates, Adam, and wilt tafte 
A'o pieafure, though in pleafure, folitary. 
IWjat think'ft thou ihe^ ci xnc, w[\d vV\^tk^ ^-jss.? 
Seem I to thee fuffickuiVi ^S^W^ 



KitL PARADISE LOST. it} 

>pcnefi, or not ? who, am alone 4CJ[ 

ail cternitf ; for none I know 
I to me, or like : equal much Icfs. 
laTC i t&cn with whom to hold conTerfe, 
rtth the creatures which I made, and thofe 
! inferior^ infinite defcent 410 

h what other creatures su-e to thiee i 
ceas'd ; I lowlf anfwer'd. To atuia 
eighth and depth of thy eternal wayi 
.man thougbu come (hort. Supreme of things : 
In thyfelf art perfe«fl, and in thee 4 r j 

ieficience found : not fo is man» 
degreei the caide of his defire 
iverfation with bis like to help, , 
ice his defe6s« No need thiat t&od 
I'ft propaeatCy already infinite, . ^i^ 

brough afi numbers abfolute» though one ; 
an by number is to manifef^ 
iffle imperfe^ion, and beget . 
this like, his image multiply'dj^ 
ty defe^ive^ which requires 42^5 

;ral love, and deareft amity. 
in thy fecrecy although alone» 
ith thyfelf accompanied, feek'ft not 
communication; yet ib pleas'd, 
aife thy creatuires to' what heighth thou w3t 43)^ 
on or commutiion, deify'd .: 
myerfingf cahnbt thefe ere'd^ ^ < 
prone, nor in their Way's compkeencie find. 
IS I emboldenM fpake, and freedom us'd' 
five, and acceptance found ; which gain'd 43 jf 
.nfwer from the gradbiis voice divine. 
is far to try thee, Adam, I waji pleas'd ; 
ind thee knowing, not of be>i(b alont, 
I thou haft rightly nam'd, but of thyfelf, 
SSng well the fpVit within thee free, 44<i' 

lage, not imparted to the brute ; .. 
r ^llowihip therefore unmeet for thee» 
i-eafon was thou freely fliould'il diflike ; 
« fo minded ftill : I^ ere thou fpak'ft, 
it not good for man to be alone : i^^ 

o fach compskoy as then thou &.VK 
Z ' 



if«4 PARADISE LOST. BoaKTOL 

Intended thee, for trial only brought. 
To fee how thou coulcl'ft judge otfit and meet : 
What n^xt 1 bring (ball pleafe thee, be afiui'd. 
Thy likcnefs, thy fit hrlp, thy other fclf, 450 

Thy wifh exactly to thy heart's defire. 

He ended, or 1 heard no more ; for now 
My earthly by his heavenly overpowered, 
Which it hadiong Qood nnder, ftrainM to the height 
In that celeflial colloquy fublime, 455 

As tirith an objcft that excels the fcnft 
Dazzled and fpent, funk down, and fought repair 
Of deep, which inftantly fell on me, cali'-d 
l^y nature as in aid ; and clos'd mire eyes. 
Mine eyes he clos'd, but open leift the ceB 4^ 

Of fancy, nry internal fight, by which 
Abftraft as in a^ trance methought I faw. 
Though fleepfng, where i lay, and faw the fbape 
Still glorious before tvhom arwake 1 (lood ; 
Who (looping open'd my left fide, and took 465 
From thepce a rib, with cordial fpirit^ warm 
And life blood dreaming frefh ; wide was the vottnd) 
But fiiddcnly with fltlh fill'd up, and heal'd : 
The rib he form'd and fafliion'd with his hands ; 
llnder his forming hands a creature grew,. 470 

M -mlike, but different fex, lb lovely fair. 
That what feemM fair in all the world j feem'd now 
Mean or in her fummM up, in her contain'd. 
And in her looks, which from that time infus'd 
Sweetnefs into my heart, unfelt before, 47J 

And into all things from her air infpir'd 
The fpVit of love and amorous delight. 
She difappear'd, and left me dark ; 1 wak^d 
To find her, or for ever to deplore 
"Her lofs, ^nci other pleafures all abjure : , 4^0 
When out of hope, behold her, not far off, 
J>nch as 1 faw her in my dream, adorn 'd 
With what all earth or heav'n could beftow 
To make her amiable : on fhc came. 
Led by her heav'nly Maker, tliough unfeen* 4^5 
And gaided by' his voice, nor uninform'd 
Of nuptial fandliiy and marriage rites : 
Grace was in all her deps, heav'n in her eye. 



III. PARADISE LOST^ 185 

' gefture dignity and love, 
y'd' could not forbear aloud. 490 

turn hath made am<;nds ; thou haft .falfill'd 
rds. Creator, bounteous and benign, 
f all things fair, but faireft Uiis 
ly gifts, nor en vie ft. J- now fee 
my bone, flelh of my flefti, myfelf 495 

ne : woi^an is her name, of man 
id ; for this cauie he Ihall forego 
md mother, and t' his wife adhiire ; 
y (liall be one flcfh, one he<irt, one foul, 
card mc thus ; and though divinely brought, 
>cence, and virgin modefty, 501 

;ue and the confcience of her worth, 
mid be woo'd, and not unfought be won, 
ioQs, not obti-utive, but retired, 
re defirable, or to fay all, 505 

lerfelf, chough pure of finful thought. 
It in her fo, that feeing roe, ihe turn'd ; 
'd her : fhe what was honour knew, 
h obfequious majefty approved 
dcd reafon. To the nuptial bo w'r 510 

- blufliing like the morn : all heav'n, 
)py conftellations, on that hour 
:ir feledeft influence ; the earth 
rn of gratulation, and each hill ; 
he birds ; freih gales and gentle airs 5x5 

'd it to the woods, and from their wings 
ofe^ flung; odours from the fpicy fhrub, 
ng, till the aro'rous bird of night ^ 
>oufil, and bid haftc the cv'ntng ftar 
lill-top, to light tlie bridal lamp. 520 

have [ told thee all my Rate, and brought , 
f to the fum of earthly f>lifs 
'. enjoy ; ;ind muft confefs to find 
ings elfe delight indeed, but fuch 
or not, works in tlie mind no change, 525 
ement defire ; thefe delicacies 
of tafte, fight, fmell, herbs, fruits, and flow'rs, 
md the melody of birds : but here 
rwife, tranfported I behold, 
rted touch j here pafHonfirft I felt ; 530 

Z 2 



,ti6 PARADISE LOST. TSobk^f 

Commotion (Irange, in all enjoyments eUe 
Superior ^nd unmov'd, here only weak 
■i^gainft the charm of beauty** pow^rftil gladcfe. 
Or nature fail'd in me, and left fonrie pkrt 
Kot proof enough fuch nbjefl to fafUin ; 
iOr from my f|de fubdu^^ing, took perhaps 
More than enong^ ; at leaft tin her beftoV4 ' 

.* Too much of ornament, in outward (how ' 
Elaborate, of inward lefs exad. 
Tor well I underftand in the prime did 
Of nature -her th' inferior ; in the min^ 
And inward faculties, which moQ^ excel : : 
In outward alfb her reiembling lefs 
His image who made boUi, and lefs exprdSIag 
The charafter of that doibinibn gi v'n 
D*er other creatures : yet when * approach 
tier lovelidefs; €o abfolute fhe feems, 

. And in herfelf complete, fo wdl to JEnoisr 
Her own» that what ihe wills to do or fay 
Seems wifeft, virtuoufefb, difcreeteft, beft ; - 
All higher knoixrledge in hir prefence falls 
Degraded, wifdom in difconrfe wtdi her . 
Xiofes difcbunt'nanc'd, and Ifke foUy JQiows f 
Authority and reafpn on her wait. 
As one intended firft, not after made ' 
OccafionaUy ; and tp confummate all, 
Greatnefs of mind, and hobleiiefs their feat 

». Build in her lovelieft, and create an aw^ 
About her; as a g^ard angelic plac'4 

To whom the AngeJ, with contraded brd^i^. 
, Accufe not nature, fte hath done, her^part ; ' 
Do thou but thme ; and be not diffident 
.Of wifdom; fne dcferts thee not, if thou * 
Difmiis not her, when moft thoa need'ft her nigl 
By attributing overmuch to thinjgs 
.I^efs excellent^ as thou thyfclf perceiv'ft. 
For what admir'ft thour what tranfports thee fo \ 

: A^ outfide ; fair no doubti arid worthy well 
Thy cherifhipg, thy honouring, and thy love. 
Not thy fubjedion. Weigh with her ihyfclf ; 
Then value; oft times- nothing profits more 
Than felf efteem> grounded on Jull and right 



mi. ^ PARADISE LOST. if; 

nknag'd ; of that {kill the more thou know'ft, 

ore fhe will acknowledge thee her head, 

> realides yield all her Hiows : ^jt( 

to adorn for thy delight the more, 

ful, that with honour thou may'ft love 

late, who fees when thou artfeen leailwife. 

the fenife of touch whcrehy mankind 

>agated ieem fuch dear deirght j 8o 

d all other, think the fame vouchfaf'd 

tie and' each head ; which would not be 

:m made common, and divulg'd, if ought 

n enjoy'd were worthy to fubdue 

ul of man, or pafilon in him move. 585 

high'er in her focicty thou find'ft 

tive, human, rational, love dill ; ' 

ng thou doft well, in pa (Son ndt^ 

rn true love confids not ; love refines 

toughtSy and heart enlarges ; hath his feat 59b 

i'n, and is judicious ; is the fcale 

ich to heavenly loVe thou niay'ft afcend ; 

ik ia carnal pleafure ; for which caufe 

I the beads no mate for thee was found. 

vhom thus half- aba!fli'd, Adam reply'd. 595 

r her outfi Je form'd fo fair, nor ought 

:reation common to all kinds ' 

^h higher of the genial' bed by far, 

ith^myderioos reverence I deem), 

:h delights me, as thofe graceftil a^, 6co 

Jioufand decencies that daily flow 

kll words and anions mild with love 

reet compliance, which declare unfeign'd 

of mind, or in us both one foul ; 

»ny to behold in wedded pair 605 

;rateful than liarmonious foiind to th' ear, 

fe fabje^l not : I to thee difclofe 

nward thence 1 feel ; not therefore foil'd, 

leet with various objects, from the fenfe 

(ly reprefcntiug ; yet dill free $ 1 o 

re the bed, and follow what I approve. 

: thou blam'd me not ; for love thou fay'd 

up to heav'n, is boili the w.iy and guide : 

ith me thca^ if lawful what I afk ; 



^88 PARADISE LOST. BookVKL 

LoTc not thelieay'nly fp'rtts, and how their loye 61; 
Exprcfs ihcj ? by looks only,' or do they mijq 
Irradiance, virtual or immediate touch ? 

To whom the angel, with a fmile that glow'd 
Celedial rofy red, love's proper hue, 
Anfwcr'd. Let it Aifficc ihec that thouknow'il 620^ 
Us happy', and without Ipve no happinefs'. 
.Wliatcver pure thou in the body' 'eiijoy|it, 
(And pure thon wcrt created), we enjoy 
In eminence^ and obftacle find none 
Of membrane, joint', or limb, cxclu(xvc bars ; 625 
Eafier than air with air, if fp'rits ej;nbrace. 
Total they mix, union of pure with pure 
Defiring ; nor reftrain'd conveyance need. 
As fle(h to mix with flelK, Or foul with fouL 
But 1 can now no more ; the parting fun ^38 

Beyond- the earth's green cape and verdant ifley 
Hcfperian fets, my fignalto depart : 
!Be ftrong, live happy', and love ; .but firft of all 
Him whom to love is to obey, and keep 
His great command ; take heed left pafiion fway 635 
Thy judgement to do ought, which elfe free will 
.Would not admit : thine of all thy fons, 
The weal or woe in thee is plac'd ; beware. 
I in thy perfevering (hall rejoice, 
And all the blefs'd : ftacd faft ; to (land or fall 640 
Free in their own arbitrament it lies. ' 
JPerfefl within, no outward aid require : 
And all temptation to tranfgrcfs repel. 

So faying, he arofe ; whom Adam thus 
FoUow'd with benedi^ion. Since to part, 645 

Go heav'nly gueft, ethereal mcffenger, 
S^nt from whofe fov'reign goodnefs I adore. 
^Gentle to me, and affable, hath been 
Thy condefcenfion, and (hall be honour'd ever 
With grateful memory ; Uiow to mankind 650 

pe good and friendly ilill, and oft return. 

So parted they ; the Angel up to Heav'n 
From the tliick iiiade, and Adam to his bow'r. 

End Of THE EiGWTu Book. 



4RADISE LOST/ 

BOOK IX. 

TheArgumeht. 

I havmg compajftd the earthy naith tnediUUd guik^ * 
urns as a miji by night into Paradife^ and enters in* 
the ferpent fleeping. Adcmi and Eve in the morning 
forth to their labours ; mshich Eve prep^Jes to divide 
fever al places i each labouring apart : Adam cm/ents 
', ailedging the danger , left the enemy ^ of mfhom they 
^re forsii^arhed, JlooM attempt her found alone : Eve^ 
th to bethought not circumfpeli or firm enough^ w^' 

" g^^^i aparty the rather defirous t» make trial of her 
ength ; Adam at laft yields. The ferpent finds her 
)ne / his fubtle approach^ firft gazing, then fpeakingt 
Itb much flattery extolling Eve above all other crea^ 
res. Evef mondering to hear the ferpent f^ak^ ajks 
w he attained to human fpeecb andfuch underftanding 
t till nonv ; the ferpent anfvaersy that by tafting of a 
rtain tree in the garden ^ he attained both tofpeech afj4 
afon, till then void of both : Eve requires him to bring 
r to that treey and finds it to be the tree of knowledge 
^bidden: The ferpent noiv gronun bolder^ nxfith many 
ties and arguments induces her at length to eat ; fhe^ 
•afed *witb the tafte^ deliberates a *ml}ile ^whether t9 
tpart thereof to Adam or not $ at laft brings him of the 
uit, relates ivhat perfuaded her to eat thereof Adam 

firft amazed^ hut perceiving her left, refolves through 
hemence^of love to periflj <with her ; and extenuating 
e trejptafs^ eah alfi of- the fruits The effeOs thereof 

them both ; they feek to cover their nakednejs i- then 

II to variance^ and accufation of one another ^ 

rO more of talk, where God or Angel gueft 
With Man, as with his friend, familiar us'd 
It indulgent, and with him partake 
al repaft, permitting him the while 
ial difcouiib unblam'd : I now mttft chansji s 



I90 PARADISE LOST. BooiIZ. 

Theft nctss to trag:c ; foul diRraft, and breach 
Difl-y:*!: en :he pirc cf man, revolt. 
And diicbciience ; on the part of HeaV'n 
New a'ienated, diflance and diftafte. 
Anger and j'ltl rebck% and jjdgement e!v'n» lO 
Thit brrught into this world a world of wocy 
Sin, and hti fLKiow Death, and Mifcrf, 
Death's harbinger ; Sad ta&, yetarguroenC 
No! lefs, but more heroic than the wrath 
Of ftern Achilles on his foe purfu'd Ij 

Thrice fugitire abont Troy wall ; or ragtt 
Of Tumns for Lavin*a difcfpous'd ; 
Of Neptune's ire, or Juno's, that fo long 
Perplex'd the Greek, and Cytherea's fon ; 
If anfwenble t^jle I can obtain ^ 

Of my celeftial patrohefs, who deigns 
Her nightly vifitation unimplor'd. 
And diflares to me flumb'ring, or inQ>iret 
Eafy my unpremeditated vcrfc : 
Since fir ft this fubjed for heroic fong 2j 

Pleas'd me, long chufmg, and beginmng late ; 
Not fedulous by nature to indite 
Wars, hitherto the only argument 
Heroic deem'd, chief maft'ry to diiTed^ 
With lone: and tedious harock fabled knights ^0 

In battles feign'd ; the better fortitude 
Of patience and heroic martyrdom 
Unfung ; or to dcfcribe races and gameSf 
Or tilting furniture, imblazon'd (hields, 
Impreffes quaint, caparifons, and (leeds ; 
"BaCcs and tinfel trappings, gorgeous kniehts 
Atjonft and tournament; then marlhalrd feaS 
Scrv'd up in hall, with fewers, and fenefhals ; 
The (kill of artifice or office mean. 
Not that which juHly gives heroic name /fO 

T'o pvrrfon or to poem. Me of thefc 
Nor (kill'd nor (ludious, higher argument 
Remains, fufficient of itfelf to raife 
^I^That name, unlefs an age too late, or cold 

Climate, or years, d:unp my intended wing 45 

Pcprc^% and much xhe^ Tnvj,\£aUbc mine. 



PA!lAl)TgELdSf. i^l 

eho brmgs it nightly to my ear. 

was funk, and after him the liar 
us, Whofe ofljcc is to bring '^ 

ipon the earth, fliort arbiter ^6' 

r anS nigRt ; anVi nowfrom end to end ^ 
xnffpiiefe had v^il'd tV horizon round, 
m, Wholite 'fled,.bcfc>e the threats 
I'out ofEden^ n&Wimprov*J 
ed frtiild and m lltce^ l^ent 5^, 

deftruftion^ ihaiigrc what might hap 

arthirhfelf,.fearlefs return'd. 
le fltd, ^nd at miJnight retiirn'd. 
paflin^ th^ earth, caiirFous of day, 
I, regent of the fun, defcry'd ' . 60 

ce, and forewiaru'^ the Cherubim 
their watch ; tlience full of anguifli driv'ii, 
of fev'n continued nights he rode 
nefs, thrice the fequinn<5lial line 
, four times crofs'd the car of night 6^ 

to pple, traverfing each colure ; , 
(ith returned, and on the coaft av«rfe 
ance on Cherubic watch, by ftealth 
ufpe(ftcd way. There was a place, 6g . 

lOjjgh iin,not time, Hrft wrought the change^ 
i;ris,'at th^ foot of Paradife, 
P (hot under ground, till part 
fountain by the tree of life : 
: river funk, and with it rofe 
>lv'd in rifing mill ; then fought 75 

ie hid : fea he had fearch'd, and land, 
a over Pontus, and the pool 
I beyond the river Ob : * 

1 as far antardlic ; and in length 

Orontes to the ocean barr'd 60 

, thence to the land where floT^sf 
d Indus : thus tlie orb he roam'd 
5w fearch, and with infpedion deep 

ev'ry creature, which of all 
tune might ferve his wiles, and found 85 "" 
It fubtleft beaft of all the field. 
loDff debute, irrefolute 
A a 



191 PARADISE LOST. BooxIX. 

Of thoughts revolv'd, his final fcntence chofc 

Fit vciTcl, fitted imp of fraud, in whom 

To enter, and his diirk fuggeRions hide 90 

Fronn fliarpeft fight ; for in the wily fnake. 

Whatever flcights none would fufpicious mark. 

As from his wit and native fuhtilty 

Proceeding, which in other beafls obfcrv'd 

iXiuht might beget of diabolic pow'r 9J 

Aifrive within hcyond the ftnfe of brute. 

Til as he refolvM, but firft from inward grief 

Ills burning palTions into plaints thus pourM. 

O Larth, how like to Heav'n, if not .preferred 
More juftly, feat worthier of Gods, as built ICO 

With fccond thoughts, reforming what was old? 
I'or what Goo after better worfc would build ? 
Ttrreftrial Heav'n, danced round by other Heay'ns 
^rhat ihine, yet bear their bright officious laxnpsy 
I^igKt ahove light, for thee alone, as feems,' " lOJ 
In thee concentering all their precious beams 
Of facred influence \ As God in Heav'n 
Is center, yet extends to all ; fo thou 
Centering received from all thofe orbs ; in thee, 
Not in themfelves, all their kno^n virtue' appears HO 
Produ(ftive in herb, plant, and nobler birlh 
Of creatures animate wilh gradual life 
OF growth, fcnfe, reafon, all fumm'd up in Man. 
With wh^t delight could I have walkM thee round, 
If I could joy in oupht, fweet interchange 1 15 

Of hill, and valley, rivers, woods, and plains, 
Now Lind, now fca, and (bores with foreft crown* J, 
Rocks, dens, and caves ! but 1 in none of thefe 
rind place or refuge ; and the more I fee 
Pleafures about me, fo much more I feel no 

Tormect within mt*, as from the hateful (iegc 
Of contraries ; all good to me becomes 
Banc, and in Heav'n much worfe would be my ftate. 
But neither here feck I, no nor in Heav'n 
To dwell, ur.lefs by maft'ring hcav'n's Supreme; 125 
Nor hope to be myfelf U fs niiferable 
By wh u J feck, but oilurs to make fuch 
An (, thoi:gh lliv:r,iby ssov^t \.oxa^ x^^Q\\^d\ 



:IX. PARADISE LOST. 193 

nly in dcftroying I find eafe 
yrelentlcfs thoughts; and htm deflroy'd, 139 
3n to what may work his utter lofs, 
rhom all this was made ; all this will foon 
Mr, as to htm link'd in weal or woe ; 
>e then, that deftru^ion wide may range : 
e (hall be the glory folc among 1 35 

ifernal Pow'rs, in one day to have marr'd 
he Almiehty ftyl'd, fix nights and days 
tiuM makthg, and who knows how long 
e had been contriving ? though perhaps 
mger than fince I in one night freed 140 

fenritude inglorious well nigh half 
Qgelic name, and thinner left the throng 
I adorers ; he^ to be areng'd, 
to repair his numbers thus impair'd, 
her ibch virtue fpent of old now faii'd 14.J 

Angels to create, if they at leaft 
lit created ; or, to fpite us more, 
min'd to advance into our room 
atureform'd of earth, and him endow, 
id from fo bafe original, I jo 

heavenly fpoils, our fpoils : what he decreed, 
ffedled ; Man he made, and for him built, 
ificent this world, and earth his feat, 
lord pronounc'd, and, O indignity ! 
fted to hisfervice Angel wings, ijj 

Haming minifters to watch and tend 
earthly charge. Of thefe the vigilance 
d, and to elude, thus wrapt in mift 
dnight vapour glide obfcure, and pry 
ry buA or brake, where hap may find 1 60 

erpcnt«(leeping, in whofe mazy folds 
de me and die dark intent I bring. 
1 defcent ! that I who erft contended 
Cods to fit the high'cft, am now conftrain'd 
L beaft, and mix'd with beftial dime,, 1 65 

sfTence to incarnate and imbriite, 
to the hcighth of Deity afpir'd. 
•hat will not ambition and revenge 
id 10^ Who aipires, muft dovm a%\o7i 
A a 2 



f<j4- PARApiSE LOST. BpoflX, 

As high he foar'd, obnoxious^ firft or laft^ i|Q 

To bafeft things. Revenge , at firft tl^ougl; fwee^ 
Bitter ere long, back on itfelf recoils : 
Let it ; I reck not, fo it light well aim'49 
Cilice higher I fall fhort, pn him who next 
Provokes my envy, this new favourite 175 

Of Heav'n, this man of clay, fon of defpitc, 
Whom us the more to fpite his Maker rais-d ' 

From duft : fpice thep with fpite is beft repaid. 

So faying, through each thicket, dank or dry, 
Like a black mift low creeping, he held on i8q 

J lis riidnight fearch, where fooneft he might find 
The ferpent : him faft flecping foon he foun4 
In labyrinth of many aground fclf-rolPd, 
Kis head the midft, well ftor'd with fubtlcs : 
IS^ot yet in horrid Ihade or difmal den, 185 

Nor nocent yet, but on the gnifly herb 
l''carlefs unfear'd he flept. ,In at his mouth 
ITie devil cnter'd, and his brutal fenfe. 
In heart or head, pofTeffing, foon infpir'd 
Witli a<a intelligential ; but his flecp 19O 

IDifturb'd not, waiting clofe th* approach of mom. 

Now when a facred light began to dawn 
Tn Ecien on the humid fiow'rs, that breath'd 
Their momirg incenfc, when all things that breathe, 
From th' earth's great altar fend up filcnt praife 195 
To the Creator, and his noftrils fill 
With grateful fmell, forth came the human pair, 
And join'd their vocal worftiip to the quire 
Of creatures wanting voice ; that done, partal^e 
The feafon, prime for fweeteft fcents and airs : 2C0 
*!! hen commune how that day they beft may ply 
Their growing work ; for much their work outgrew 
The hands difpatch of two gardening fo wide. 
And Eve firft to her hufband thus began. 

Adam, well may we labour ftill to drcfs ac5 

This garden, ftill to tend plant, herb, and flowV, 
Our pieafant taik injoin'd ; but till more hands 
Aid us, the work under our labour grows. 
Luxurious by reftraint ; what we by day 
Lop overgrown, or prune, cr prop, or bind^ 2 J 



:IX. PARAPISE LOST. 195 

light or two with wanton growth derides, 
ing to wild. Thou therefore now advilc, 
:ar what to my mind firll thoughts prdent : 
IS divide our labours ; thou where choice 
s thee, or where moft needs, whether to wind 215 
woodbine round this arbour, or dired 
clafping ivy where to climb : while I 
mdqr fpring of rofes intermix'd 
myrtle, find what to redrefs till noon : 
while £0 near other thus all day 2 20 

Uifk we chufe, what wonder if To near 
s intervene, and fmiles, or objed new 
d difcourfe drawn on, which intermits 
day's work, brought to little, though begun 
fj and th' hour of fupper comes qneamM ? 225 
> whom mild anfwer Adam thus returned. 
Eve, aiTociate fole, to me beyond 
pare, above all living creatures dear, 
haft thou motipn'd, yirell thy thoughts employed, 
we be ft might fulfil the work which here 230 
hath affign'd us ; nor of me fhall pafs 
rais'd : for nothing lovelier can be found 
Oman, than to ftudy houfehold good, 
good works in her hufband to promote 
lot fo ftri^tly hath our Lord impos'd 235 

nir, as to debar us when we need 
efliment, whether food, or talk between, 
I of the mindj or this fweet intercom fe 
•oks and fmiles ; for fmiles from reafon flow, 
rute dcny'd, and are of love the food, 240 

: not the loweft end of human life. 
lot to irkfome toil, but to delight 
nade us, and delight to reafon jom'd. 
c paths and bowVs doubt not but our joint hands 
keep from wildernefs witli eafe as wide 245 

7e need walk, till younger hands ere long 
k us. But if much converfe perhaps 
i-fatiate, to Ihort abfence I could yield : 
folitude fomctimes is beft fociety, 
(hort retirement urges fweet return, 250 

othe^ doubt polTeffes me^ Icil harm 



19^ PARADISE LOST. Booilt 

Befal thef fercrM from me ; for tliou know' ft 
What hath bfen warn'd us, what malicious foe 
Envying our happincfs, and of his own 
Defpairing, fecks to work us woe and (hame ajj 

By fly alTiult ; and fome where nigh at hand 
Watches no doubt, with greedy hope to find 
Kis ^\il'}l and bcA advantage, us afunder ; 
Hopdefs :o circumvent us join'd, where each 
'J'o other fpecdy aid might lend at need, l6o 

Whetlier his fi.d defign be to withdraw 
Our fealty from God, or to difturb 
Conjugal love, than which perhaps no blifs 
tnjrjy'd by us excites his envy more : 
Or this, or wcrfe, leave not the faitliful fide 265 

That gave thee be'ing, dill (hades thee, and prote^ 
The wife, where danger and diflionour lurks^ 
Safeil and feemlieft by her hufband (lays, 
Who guards her, or with her the worft endures. 

To whom the virgin majefty of Eve, 270 

As one who loves, and fome unkindnefs meets. 
With fweet aufterc compofare thus replyM. 

OflFspring of heav'n and earth, and all earth's lord, 
That fuch an enemy we have, who feeks 
Our ruin, both by thee informed 1 learn, 27J 

And from the parting Angel overheard. 
As in a (li.idy nook I flood behind, 
Jult then rj.urn'd at fliut of ev'ning flowers. 
But that thou (houlJ'ft my firmnefs therefore ^oubt 
To God or thee, hecjufe we have a foe 28i 

May tempt it, I expc<ftcd not to hear. 
His violence thoa fear'ft not, being fuch 
As we, not capibl? of death or pain. 
Can either not receive, or can reptrl. 
His fraud is then thy fear ; which plain infers 285 

Thy eq'ijl frar, that my firm failh and love 
Can by his frand be fliaken or feduc'd ; 
Thoughts, which how found iheyhaiTjour in thybrcni!!, 
Adam, miothought of her to thee fo dear ? 

To whom with lieiillno words Adam rep!y*d. 2(j9 
Daughter «;f God and niAWy immort.il Eve, 
For fudi ih'Hi art, from fin and blame entire : 



DC PARADISE LOST. I97 

lifii<)ent of thee do 1 diifuade 

abfcncefrom my fight, but to avoid 

ittempt itfelf, intended by our foe. 895 

le who tempts, though' in vain, at lead afpeifct 

tempted with difhonour foul, fuppos'd 

incorruptible of faith, not proof 

nft temptation : thou thyfelf with fcom 

anger would refent the cflfer'd wronjr, 300 

igh incffe^ual found : mifdeem not then,* 

:h affront I labour to avert 

1 thee &lone, which on us both &t once 

enemy, though bold, will hardly dare ; 

aring, firft on me th* aiTault (hail light, 3C5 

thou his malice and fah'e guile contemn ; 

le he needs mull be, who could feducc 

els ; nor think fuperfluous other's aid. 

m th* influence of ihy looks receive 

jfs in ev'ry virtue, in thy ilght 310 

i wife» more watchful, ftronger, if need were 

utward ftrength ; while (hamc, thou looking on, 

ae to be overcome, or over-reach'd, 

dd utmoft vigour raife, and rais'd unite. 

r (honld'ft not thou like fenfe within thee feel 315 

rn I am prefent, and thy trial chufe 

iirft, bed witncfs of thy virtue try'd ? 

fpoke domcftic Adam in his care 

1 matrimonial love ; but Eve, who thought 
attributed to her faith iincere, 32« 

s her reply with accent fwcct rencw'd, 

' this be our condition, thus to dwell 

arrow circuit ftraiten'd by a foe. 

tie or violent, we not endu'd 

;le wiih like defence, wherever met, 325 

V are we happy, ftill in fear of harm ? 

harm precedes not Ar : onfy our foe 

ipting affronts us with his foul cftcera 

3ur integrity : his foul eftcem . 

ks no diflionour on our jifirbnt, but turns 330 

1 on himfelf ; then wherefore fhun'd or fear'd 

us ? who rather double honour gain 

m his furmife prov'd falfc ; find peace within. 



t9t PARADISE LOST. SookOK 

Favour from Ileav'n, our wiiaefs from th* event. * 
And what is faith, lore, virtue, imc&fd JJJ 

Alonfy without extericr help lulhiia'df ' 
I«et us r.ot thca fiiptA cur liappy ftate 
Left fo impcrfc^ by the M;iker wiie^ : .. .. 
As n t fecore to Hngle or combined. . . ' ■ :. ' . 
Firill id our happincis, if thi» he iby "Jfrt 

And Eden w-re not Eden thus ezpos'd. i •' * : ■ •■ 

To whom thm A J am fervently rafjly'di - - ■ 
O woman, bcft are all things ay the will 
Of God ordain'd them : his creating hand 
N')t h in 7 imperfect or ileficienC left - .54J 

Of all iliat he created ; much Icis man, .. - 

Or ought that mi;;hihishi<ppy ftate fecure^ •■■. ■• 
Secure from outward force; within himfelf . • 
The dsinji;cr lies, yet lies within his pow'rs 
Againfl his will he can receive no harm. 3J« 

But God left (ret tht will ; for what obeys : : 
Reifon, is free ; and rcafon he nfade right. 
But bid her well beware, and ftiil ere^ * - ♦' 

Left by fome fair appearing good furpris'd ■ 
She'didatc falfc, and mifmibrm the will ■ ; 35J 

Tn ilo v.'hat God exjucfsly hath forbid.- ■ .t ' ■ " ■ 

K'?t then millruft, but tender love, injoins, 
^rhat I fhould mind thee oft, and mind thon fcc. ■ 
Firm wc jubriil, yet poflTihle tofwerve ; 
i^ince rcafon not inipoflTiMy may meet . 56^ 

4>nmc fpecious objc^ by the foe fubom'd, •; • 
And fall into drception unaware, 
Not keeping ftriftcft watch, as (lie was ^arn'^r ■ 

S ik not teniplati«jn then, which to avoid 
W'-re !)eiter, and rood likely if from me 36J 

Tiiou fever not: -trial will come unfonght. 
Wdiild'ft ihcu approve thy conilaocy i approve- 
FirH tliy obedience : th' oilirr who can know. 
Not fei.ing thee attempted ? who attcft ? 
Wur. ifthf)ii ihink,'trial unfought may find j'jll 

Us both fccurer than thus wai a'd thou fecm'ft, 
dn ; for thy (lay, not free, abfents thee more ; 
Go m thy native innocence, rely 
Oa vfhat tliou haft o£ 'vittue, tummotw ^v ' ' * 



IX. PARADISE LOST. 199 

rootow'ards thee hath done his part, do thine. 575 
fpake the patriarch of mankind ; but Eve 
ted, yet fubmifS) though lafty reply'd. 
th thy permillion then, and thus forewarned, 
y by what thy own lall reasoning words 
iMonly, that our trial when lead foughti 380 
find us both perhaps far lefs prepar'd, 
vijlinger 1 go ; nor much expcdt 

fo' proud will firft the weaker feek ; 
nt, the more (hall (hame him his rcpulfe. 
us faying* from her hn(b:ind'fc hand her hand 3^5 
he withdrew, and like a wood-nymph light 
1 or i)ryad> or of Delia's train, 
»k her to the groves t but Delia's fclf 
it furpafa'd, and goddefs-L'ke deport ; 
igh not, as flie,^ with bow and quiver arro'd, 396 
with fuch gardening tools as art yet rude, 
left of fire, had form'd,«Or Angels brought, 
alias, or Pomotia, thus adorn'd, 
\ (he feem'd, Pomona, when (he fled 
imnuB, or to Ceres in her prime, j^f 

nrgin of Proferpina from Jove, 
long with ardent look his eye purfu^d 
^hted, but defiring more her (lay. 
ie to ber his charge of quick tetorni 
ated ; ihe to him as oft cn?ag'd . J^ctl 

e retwn'd by noon amid the bnw'r, 

all things in beft Order to invite 

itide repaft, or afternoon's repofe. 

uch deceivM, much failing, haplefs E^e, 

ly prcfum'd return I event perverfe ! 405 

1 never from that hour in Paradife 

id'ft either fweet repaft, or found repofe ; 

ambuOi hid among fweet flow'rs and (hades, 
led with hellilh rancour imminent 
itercept thy way, or fend thee hack ^id 

lOil'd of innocence, of faith, of blifs : 
now, and fince 6rft break of dawn, tlie fiend 
: ferpent in appearance, forth ^as come, 

on his qucft, where Itkelieft he might find 
only two of mankind, bvit in xhcm «A^ 

» b 



200 PARADISE LOST. BooilX. 

Tlic \^ hole included race, his purposed prey. 

In bow'r and field he foiTglit, where aify tuft 

Of grove or garden plot more pleafantlay. 

Their tendance, or plantation fordeUghC; 

By fountain or by fhady rivulet i^tt 

He fought them both, but wifhM his hap mrgbt find 

Eve ftparate : he wifli'd, but not with hope 

Of what is feldom chancM : when to his wifli, I 

Beyond his hope, Eve feparate he fpies, j 

Vcii'd in a cloud of fragrance, whfcrc the flood 415 

Hilf fpy'd, fo thick the rofes bulbing round 

About her glowM ; oft (looping to fupport • 

Each flow'r (f (lender dalle, whofc head though gay 

Carnation, purple', azure crfpeck'd with gold, 

Hung drooping unfiiilainM : them Die ifpRays 4J0 

Gently witli myrtle band ; zn?ndlefs the while 

Herfelf, though faired unfupported f!ow*r, ■ 

Erom her be(t prop fo far, and florm lb nigh. 

Nearer he drew, and many a walk traversed 

Of ilatelied covert, cedar, pine, or palm ; 435 

Then voluble and bold, now hid, now feen 

Among thick woven arbnrcts and flow*rs 

Jmborder'd on each bank, the hand of Eve : 

Spot more delicious than tliofe gardens feign'd 

Or of reviv'd Adonis ; or renov uM 440 

Alcinous, hod of old Laertes' fon ; 

Or that, not mydic, where the fapient king 

Held duUiance with his fair Egyptian fpouie. 

Much he the place acmir'd. the pcrfon xnoie. 

As one who long in populous city pent, 445 

Where Iioufes thick and fewers annoy th'^air. 

Forth illulng on a fummcr's mom to breathe 

Among the pleafant villages and farms 

Adjoin'd, from each thing met conceives delight | 

The fmell of grain, or tedded grafs, or kine, 45c 

Or dairy', each rural f^ght, each rural found ; 

If chance, with nymphlike dep, fair virgin psifs, 

What pleafmg feeni'd, for her now pleafes more, 

iShf mod, and in h^r look funis all delight ; 

Kjuch pleafure look the Serpent to behold 45J 

'Jliis Sow'ry plat,lhtfv:^axtcti'iQS.V;^^ 



It^ PARADISE LOST. 2ci 

earlft thoa alone ; her hcav'nly form 
tc, b\i% inore foft, aud feminine, 
niceful innocexice, her ev'ry air 
lure, or leaft adion. overaw'd 469 

alice, aud with rapine (we^t bereavM 
rceneis of the fierce intent it brought : 
pace the evil on.e. abUr lAed (load 
bis own e^'iif aa4 ^rom the time remained 
ly good^ of'enxnity difarm'd, 4$; 

le« of hate, of envy, or revenge, 
e hot hell that alw;^« in hini Diims, 
^h in niui tie;^v'n» foQx^ ended his delight ; 
^t^res 4im now more, the more he lees 
afore nc|^ for him ordain'd : then foon 47^ 

hate oc recol)eds, and all his thoughts 
chief, gratulating, thus excites, 
lughtsy whither hi^ve ye led me ! with what fweet 
jluon thus tfanfpprted, to &rget 
btther brought us i hate, not fove, no hope 47; 
-adife &r hell, hope here to tafte 
afurct ^Ut all pleafurp to deflroyy 
i^hat is in deilroying ; other joy 
: 15 loft. Then let me not let pafs 
3n whi^ now fniiles. Behold alone 4(0 

Oman, opportune to all attempts ; 
j^band, for I view far round, not nigh 
higher intdledual more I (hun, 
:rength of courage haughty, and of limb 
: bi^ijt, though ox terreurisd mould ; 485 

It unformidahle, exempt from wound ; 
fo miich hath hell debas'd, and pain 
led me, to what I was in Heav'n. 
ir, divinely fair, fit love for Gods^ 
rrible, though terror be in love 490 

eaUfty not approach'd by ftronger hate, 
Icppger, uflder ihew of love well feign*d, 
ly fvliich to her ruin no>y I tend. 
tte th' enemy ofmankijid, inclos'd 
ent, 4nBiate bad, and towards Eye 49; 

fs'd his way, not with ii^dented wave 
on thegrpundi as fince, but ouUls cear^ 
Bbi 



«ot PARADfiSE LOST.l Boot It 

Circular bafe of rifing folds, that towVd 

Fold above fold, a furging roaae $ his head 

Crefted aloft, and Garbuncle his eyes ;- j[00 

With burnifhM neck of verdant gold, tn€t 

Amidft his. circling fpires that on the erafs * 

Floated redundant : pleafing \i^s bis Siape» • 

AndloTely: never fince of ferpent k^ind - 

X«oveh'cf ; not thofe that in Illyrja. changed f6$ 

Hermione and Cadniiis, or the god 

In Epidaunis ; nor to which transformed 

Ammonian Jove, or Capitoline was feen^i 

^e with Olympiaa, this with her who bore 

Sctpio the height of Rome. With traa oblique 51!^ 

At fir A, as one who ibught accds^ but fear'd '■ 

To interfupt, fide long lie n^^rks his way. 

As when a ihip by (kilful fteerfman wrought 

Kigh river's month, or f orelatid where the wind 

Veers oft, as oft fo (leers, and fliifti^ her fail : 51^ 

So varied he, and of his tortuous train 

Curled many a Wanton wreath in fight of £ve» 

To lure her eye. She bufied heard the fo^nd 

Of ruftling leaves ; but minded not, as u&'d. 

To fuch difport before her through the fieldy J 29 

From e v'ry beaft, more duteous at her call^ 

Than at Circean call the herd difguis'd. 

He bolder now, uncalled before her ftoodi 

But as in gaze admiring : oft he howM 

Jiis turret creft, and fleek ehamell'd neck, 5tJ 

Fawning, and lick'd the grouild whereon flic trod. 

His gentle dumb expreffion tum'd at length 

The eye of Eve to mnrk his play > he glad 

Of her attention gained, with ferpent tongue 

Organic, or impulfe of vocal air, Jjo 

liis fraudulent temptation thus began. 

Wonder not, fov'reign miftrefs, if perhaps 
Thou canil, who art fole wonder ; much left arm 
Thy looks, the heav'n of mildnefs, withdifdain, 
Difpleas'd th^t I approach thee thus, and gaze SiS 
Infatiate ; I thus fmgle ; nor have fearM 
Thy awful brow, more awful thus retir'd* 
faircft refemblancc oi t\\7 l/lak« ivx^ 



at l^ARADlSE "LOST- Mf 

all things living gaze on^ a\\ things thine 
ft, and thy celeftial beauty' adore, 549 

e ravifhnient beheid, there beft beheld 
•c univttfally admir'd ; bnt here 
is inclafure ^wild, thefe beafts among# 
Iders.rode, and ihallowtodircern 
what in thee is fair, one man except," 54^ 

fees theq? (and what is one i) \»hoihotildflrbe feea 
ddefs among gods, ador'd and fervid 
igels ndmbetiefs, thy daily train. 
oz*d the tempter, and his proem tun'd > ' 
the heart of Eve his words made way, 5^0 

gh at the voicie much marvelling ; at length -*■ 
maihaz'd (he thus in anfwer fp'ake. A 

bat may this mean P language of man prononnc'd 
mgite of brute, and human fenfe cxjirefs^'d -' 
Srft at leaft of tliefe 1 thought deny'd 555 

eafts, whom God on their creation day 
red mute to all articulate found : 
lattCT 1 demur : fof in their looks 
1 reason, and in their actions, oft appears. 
, ferpcnt, fubtlefl beaft of all the field 560 

iw, but not with human voice endu'd i 
luble then this miracle, and ftiy, 
cam'ft thou fpeakable of mute ? and how 
le fo friendly grown above the reft 
rutal kind, that daily arc in fight f 565 

for fuch wondfcr claims attention due. 
i-wholfnthe guileful tempter thus rcply'd. 
refs of this faif worlds refplendent Eve, 
It is to me to tell thee all 

t thou commanded, and right thou ihould'ft be 
bbey'd. 5 70 

5 at firft as other beafls that graze 
trodderrheri), of abjcdl thoughts and low 
►as my food ; nor ought but food difocm'd 
!Xf and apprehended nothing high : 
on aday roving the field, I chanc'd §15 

lodly tree for diftant to behold, 
!en with fruit of f lireft colours mix'd, - 
3/ and gold ; I nearer drew vo ^vl^ \ 



tc4 PARADISE LOST. BookIE 

Wlien from the bonghs a favoury odour blown. 

Grateful to app«litc, more pleas'd my fe&fc 589 

ITian fmclL of fwceiefi fcnel, or the teats 

Of ewe or goat dropping with, milk at ev'n, 

Uafack'd oTlanib or kid, that tend their play. 

I'o fatisfy the lliarp dcfire X had 

Of tafting tbofe fair apples, I refolv'd jlj 

Not to dci^T I hunger and third at once, 

Powerful perfuiders, quicken'd at the icent 

Of that alluring fruit, urgM me fo keen. 

About the moiFy trunk I wound roe foon ; 

For high from ground the branches would require jQf 

Thy utmofl reach, or Adam's : round the tree 

All other beaih that faw, with like defire 

Longing and envying ftood, but could not reach. 

Ami J the tree now got, where plenty hung 

Tempting (o night to pluck and eat my (ill fQf 

1 fpar'd not ; for fuch plcafure till that hour 

At feed or fountain never had I found. 

Sated at length, ere long I might perceive 

Strange alteration in mc, to degree 

Of reafon in my inward pow'rs, andfpeech 600 

Wanted not long, though to this Oiape retain'd. 

Thenceforth to Ipcculations hij^h or deep 

I tum'd my thoughts : and, with capacious mindf 

Confider'd all things vifxblc in Heav'n, 

Or Earth, or Middle, all things fair and good ; 60J 

But all that fair and good in thy divine 

Semblance, and in thy beauty's heav'nly ray, 

United 1 beheld ; no f.iir to tliinc 

Equivalent or fecond, which compelled 

Me thus, though importune perhaps, to come 6n 

And gaze, and worfliip thee, of right dtclar'd 

Sov'rciiJ[n of creatures, univerfal dame. 

So talked the fpirited lly Snake ; and Eve 
Yet more amazM unwary thus reply'd. 
Serpent, thy overpraifing leaver in doubt 6i) 

The virtue of ih:it fruit, in thee firft prov'd ; 
liut fay, where grou-s tlie tree, from hence liow far • 
For many are llic trees ({ Goo that grow 
iri Parddikj and vaiious,>jt\. xi^^^xvQ^^a. 



«. PARADISE LOST. aoj 

: in fuch abundance lies our choice* 620 

vcs a greater ilnre of fruit uiitouch'd, 

anging incorrupub^e, till men 

up to tlieir providon, and more -hands 

to diibarden Nature of her birth. 

whom the wily adder, blithe and glad. 625 

efsy the way is ready, and not long ; 

id a row-of myrtles, on a flat, 

y a fountain, one iinaU thicket p^R 

)wing myri'h and balm : if thou accept 

)ndui:l» 1 canhriog ihee thither foon. 630 

id th^, £iid Eve. He leading fwiftly roll'd - 

gles, and -made intrickCefcem ittaight, 

ifchief 'Iwift. Hope -elevates^and jc>y 

tens his creft ; as when a -wand'ring fire, 

\^£t of unduous vapour, which tlie night 6^^ 

snies, and the cold environs round, 

cd through agitation to a flame, ' 

h oft they fey, fome evil Sp'rit attends, 

ring, and blazing with delufive light 

ids th' amaz'd night wand'rer from his way, 640 

igs and mires, and oft tlirough pond or pool, 

t fwallowM up and loft, from fuccour far. 

ifter'd the dire Snake, and into fraud 

^-▼e, our credulous mother, to the tree 

ohibition, root of all our woe : . 645 

h when fte faw, thus to her guide (he fpake. 

'pent, we might have fyax'd our coming bither, 

lefs to me, tliough fruit be here t' excels ; 

:redit of whole virtue reft with thee, 

i'rous indeed , if caufe . of fuch eiled^s. 6j o 

>f tliis tree we may not tafte nor touch ; 

fo commanded, and left that command 

daughter .of his voice ; the reft, we live 

to oiurftlves, our reafon is our liiw. 

► whom the tempter guilefully rtplyM. 6$$ 

id > hath Goo then faid that o£ the fruit 

1 thefe garden-trees ye Ihall not eat f 

srds declar'd of all in earth or air 

) whom thus Eve, yet fmlefs. Of the fruit 

Lch tree ia the ^^irdcn we ma.7 t«L\. \ ^^% 



PARADISE LOST. ^07 

If of death mnoves the fear. 

I this forbid ? Why but to avrey 

eep ye low and ignorant, 

r% f he knows, that in the day f^j 

\ your eyes that feem fo clear, 

m» (hall perfe^iy be then 

lear'd, and ye fliaH be as gods, '^ 

I good and eiril as they know* . -J 

be as gods, iince I as Man,.- ^ i d 

is but proportion meet ; 
man ; ye ckT human, gods. 

perhaps, by putting off 1 

X on gods ; death to be wifb'd, . 
ten'di which no worfe than this can -bringj 
gods, that Man may not become 716 
icipating god- like fc)od ? 
6rft, and that advantage nfe 

that all from them proceeds : — ' . 
for this fair earth I fee, 720 

le fun, producing every kind, 
J : if they all things, who tnclos'd 

good and evil in this tree, . 
its thereof^ forthwith attains . 
)ut their leave ? and wherein Kei fjtg 
bat rnan (hould thus attain to know i 
r knowledge hurt him, or thi4 tree 
h his will, i all he his ? 

and can envy dwelt 

eaAs ? thefe, thefe, and many more 7^ 
t your need, of this fair fruit, 
in^ reach then, and freely, tafte. . 

and his words replete with guile 
: too cafy entrance won : I 

ruit ihe gaz'd, which to behold 73^ 
done ; and in her ears the found 
is per fuafive words,, impregn'd 
x> heffeerting, and widi truth ; 
ic.hour of noon drew on, and wak'd . ; 
■tite, rais'd by the fmell 74^ 

that fruit, which with defire, 
r grovt-n to touch and taftc, . > 
C c 



2<t>S PARADISE LOST. ^ ZockII;, 

Solicited her longing eye : yet firft 
Paufmg a while, thus to herfelf fbe xnns'd. 

Great arc thy virtues doubtlefs bcft of fruits, 745 
Though kept from man, and worthy to be admir'd; ,. 
Whofe taftc, too long forborne, at firft effay . 
Gave cloctitibn to the mute, and taught 
The tongue not made for ipeech to fpeak thy praife: 
Thy praife he alfo who forbids thy ufe 750 

Conceals not from us, naming thee the tree 
Of knowledge, knowledge both of good and evil ; 
Forbids us then to tafte : but his forbidding 
Commends ihee more, while it infers the good 
By thee communicated, and our want : 755 

For good unknown, fure is not had ; or had. 
And yet unknown, is as not had at all. 
In plain then, what forbids he but to know. 
Forbids us good, forbids us to be wife ? 
8uch p;;diibitions bind not. But if death 76b 

Biad Us with after bands, what profits then 
Our inward freedom ? In the day we eat 
Of this fair fruit, our doom is, we fhall die. 
How dies the-ferpent ? he hath eat'n and lives. 
And knows, and fpcaks, and reafons, and difcems, 76J 
Irrational till then. For us alone 
Was death invented ? or to us deny*d 
This intelleftual food, for beufts referv'd ? 
For beads it feems : yet that one beaft which firft 
Hath tafted, envies not, but brings with joy 770 

The good befall'n him, author unfufpecft. 
Friendly to man, f^r from deceit or guile ; 
What fear I then, rather what know to fear 
• Under this ignorance of good and evil, 
Of God or death, of law or penalty ? 775 

Here grows the cure of all, this fruit divine. 
Fair to the eye, inviting to the tafte. 
Of virtue to make wife : what hinders then 
To reach, and feed at once both body* and mind ? 

So faying, her rafli hand in evil hour 780 

Forth reaching to the fruit, (lie pluck'd, {he cat : 
Earth felt the wound ; and nature from her (cat, 
Sighing tJirough all her woiks, ^2Lxe Ci^ns of woe, 



IX- PARADISE LOST. 209 

dl was loft. Back to the thicket flank 
;uiky Serpent: and well might ; for Eve 785 
; now wholly on her talie naught elfe 
dedr fuch delight till then as feem'd^ 
it (he never tafted, whether true 
xcyV (o, through expe<5lation high 
owledge : nor was Godhead from her thought; 
lily Ihe ingorg'd without reib-aint, 79 1 

Itnew not eating death. Satiate at length, 
[leighten'd as with wine, jocund and boon 
to herfeif &e pleadngly began, 
bv'reign, virtuous, precious .of all trees 795 

radi{e> of operation blefs'd 
pience, hitherto obfcur'd^ infamM^ 
thy fair fruit let hang, as to no end 
ed ; but henceforth my early care, 
rithout fong, each morning, and due prfldfci to# 
tend thee, and the fertile burden eafe 
y full branches j offePdfree to all; 
ieted by thee I grow mature 
owledge, as the gods, who all things know ; ■ 
gh others envy what they cannot give ; 80J 

ad the gift been theirs, it had not here 
grown. Experience, next to thee I owe, 
^uide ; not following thee, I had remain'd 
lorance ; thou open' ft wifdom's way, 
giv'ft accefs, though fecret fhe retire. 810 

I perhaps am fecret ; Heav'n is high, 
, and remote to fee from thence diftinft 
thing on earth ; and other care perhaps 
have diverted from continual watch 
rreat forbidder, fafe with all his fpies 9 15 

It him. But to Adam in what fort 
I appear ? (hall I to him make known 
;t my cliange, and give him to partake 
bappinefs with me ; or rather not, 
ceep the odds ot'knowledge in my pow'r 2 29 
out copartner ? fo to add what wants 
nale fex, the more to draw his love, 
render me more equal, and perhaps, 
n^Doi uttHciirsLbley fomeUme& 
C c 2 



tto PARADISE LOST. BooilX. 

Superior ; for inferior who is free ? 815 

This m-dj be well. But what if God have fecni 

And death enfue ? then I (hall be no more. 

And Adam wedded to another Eve, 

Shall live with her enjoying, I extihdl ? 

A death to think. Confirm*d then I rcfblve, I30 

Adam fhall (hare with me in blifs or woe ; 

So dear I love him, that with him all deaths 

I could endure, without him live no life. 

■ So faying, from the tree her ftep (he tum*d ; 

But firli low revVence done, as to the pow*r IjJ 

That dwelt within, whofe prefence had infusM 

Into the plant fciential fap, derived • 

From ncftar, drink of gods. Adam the while^ 

Waiting defirous her return, had wove ' 

Of choiceft flow'rs a garland to adorn 840 

■Her tre(res,' and her rural labours crown. 

As reapers oft are wont their harveft queen. 

Great joy he promisM to his thoughts, and- new 

IBolace in her return, fo long dclay'd : 

Yet oft his heart, divine of foraething ill, 84J 

Mifgave him ; he the falt'ring meafure felt ; ' 

And for to meet her went, the way (he took 

That morn when firft they parted. By the tree 

Of knowledge he muft pafs ; there he her met. 

Scarce from the tree returning ; in her hand ■ 850 

A bough of faireft fruit, that downy fmil'd. 

New gathered, and ambroAal fmell diffus'di 

To him (he haftcd ; in her face excufe 

Came prologue, and apology too prompt, 

Which with bland words at will fhe tlius addrefs'd. 855 

Hall thou not wonder'd, Adam, at my ftay? 
Thee I have mifs'd, and thought it long, ^epriv'd 
Thy prcfcncc, agony of love till now 
^ot felt, nor (hall be twice ; for never more 
Mean I to try, what ra(h untry'd I fought, 860 

The pain of abfcnce from thy fight. But Grange • 
Hath been the caiife, and wonderful to hear. 
This tree is not, as we arc told, a tree 
Of danger tailed, nor t' evil unknown 
Op'ning the way ; buloE iiVmt tftt& %Si 



\S. PARADISE LOST. tu 

ti eyes, and make them gods who tafte ; 

nth been taded fuch ; the ferpent wife, 

reftrain'd as we, or not obeying, 

aten of the fruit, and is become, 

ad, as we are threatened, but henceforth 879 

I with human voice and human fenfe, 

ing to admiration, and with me 

ively hath fo prevailed, that I ' 

Ifo tafled, and ^ve alfo fouhc) 

efts to correfpond ; op'nermine eyes, Bfjl 

ft, dilated fplrits, ampler heart, 

-owing up to godhead ; which for thee 

I fought, without thee can defpife. 
(s,^s thou haft; part, to me is biifs : 
s unfhar'd witli thee, and odious foon. 880 
herefore alfo tafte, that equal lot 
in us, equal joy, as equal love; 
on not tafttng, different degree 

us, and I then too late renounce 

or thee, when fate will not permit. 885 

>e with count'nance blithe her ftory told j ^ 

her check diftemper flulhing glow'd, 

other fide, Adam, foon as he heard 

:al trefpafs done by Eve, amaz'd, 

h'd ftood, and blank, while horror chill 89^ 

'ough his veins, and all his joints relaxed ; 

is &ck hand the garland wreathM for Eve 

iropt, and all the faded rofes flied : 

lefs he ftood, and pale ; till thus at length 

himfelf he inward Glence broke. 895 

Ireft of creation, laft and bell 
!j0D*s works, creature in whom excellM 
rer can to fight or thought be form'd, 
livine, good, amiable, or fweet ! 
rt thou loft, how on a fudden loft, 900 

1, deflnwVd, and now to death devote i 
, how haft thou yielded to tranigreis 
\A forbiddance, how to violate 
:rcd fruit forbidden ? Some curfed fraud 
ny hath beguilM thee, yet unknown : ^j 

e with thee bath ruia'd ; foi vi'u)ci>^^ 



an PARADISE LOST. BookIX. 

Certain my rcfolution is to die ; 

How caii I live without thee, how forego 

Thy fwcet convert e and love fo dearly join'dl. 

To live again in thefe wild woods forlorn ? 910 

Should God create another Eve, and 1 

Another rib afford, yet Ids of thee 

Would never from my heart : no, no, I feel . 

The link of nature draw me : flelh of flcfh. 

Bone of my bone thou art, and from thy ftatc 91S 

3Jine never ftiall be parted, blifs or woe. 

So having faid, as one from fad difmay 
Recomfortcd, and, after thoughts difturb'd, 
Submitting to what fcem'd remedilefs. 
Thus in calm mood his words to Eve he turn'd. 920 

Bold deed thou haft prefura*d, advent'rous Eve, 
And peril great provok'd, who thus haft dar'd. 
Had it been only coveting 10 eye 
That facred fruit, ficred to abftinence. 
Much more to tafte it, under ban to touch, 9«J 

Biit paft who can recal, or done undo ? 
Not God omnipotent, nor fate ; yet fo 
Perh^ips thou (halt not die, perhaps the fafl 
Is not {o heinous now, foretafted fruit, 
Profan'd firft by the ferpent, by him firft 930 

Made common and unhallow'd ere our tafte : 
Nor yet on him found deadly ; he yet lives. 
Lives, as thou faidft, and gains to live as man. 
Higher degree of life ; inducement ftrpng 
To us, as likely tafting to attain 9JJ 

Proportional afcent, which cannot be 
But by the Gods, or Angels, Demi gods. 
Nor can I think, thit God, Creator wife. 
Though threat'ning, will in earneft fo deftroy 
Us his prime cre^tui-es, dignlfy'd fi) high 940 

Set over all his works ; which in our f^il. 
For us created, needs with us mnftfail, 
Dependent made : fo Goo (IihII uncreate. 
Be fruftrate, do, undo, and labour lofe ; 
Not well conccivM of God, who though his poT;'r 94J 
Creation could repeat, yet wtmld be loath 
Us to abolift, left the advw^^n 



X PARABISE LOST. >tj 

ph, and fay ; Fickle their ftatc whnm G09 
ivours ; who can pleafe him long f Me firll 
n'd, now mankind : vrhom will he next I 95O 

of fcorn, not to be giv'n the foe ; 
rer, I with thee have fix'd my lot, 
1 to undergo like doom : if death 
t with thee, death is to me as life ; 
:ible withiii my heart I feel 9J| 

)nd ofnature draw me to my own, • •:. 

m in thee, for what thou art is mine ; 
ate can not be fever'd, we are one, 
:(h ; to Ipfe thee were to loie myfclfl 
\.dam ; and thus Lve to him rcply'd, ^60 

ious trial of exceeding love, 
Ous evidence, example high ! 
;ing me to emulate, but (hort 

pcrfedlion, how fliall I attain, 

? from whofe dear fide I boa ft roe (prarg, 96/ 
jladly of thy union hear thee fpeak, 
cart, one foid in both ; whereofgood proof 
lay aflFords, declaring thee refolv'd, 
r than death, or ought than death more dread, 
Separate us, link'd in l<?Ve fo de^r, 97^ 

dergo with mc one gufh, one crime, 

be, of tafting this fair fruit, 
• virtue (for of good ftill good proceeds, 
:, or by occafion) hath prefented' 
lappy trial of thy love, which clfe 975 

inently never had been known, 
it I thought death menac'd would enfue 
ny attempt, I would fnftain alone 
/orft, and not pcifuade thee ; rather die 
ted, than oblige thee with a fn<fl 980 

:ious*tothy peace ; chiefly aiTur'd 
irkably fo late of thy fo true, 
thful love unequall'd, but 1 feel 
Lherwife th' event, not death, but life 
nented, open'd eyes, new hopes, new joys, 9S5 

fo divine, that what of fweet before 

totvch'i my fcnfe. flat feems to tliis, and harfh. 

y experience, Adam, freely uSLz^ 



ii4 PAftADISE LOST. V6oim 

A^d fetr of deatb deliveir to the winds. 

So iky'mgf {ht embraced hinii and for jof . ^^.' 

Tenderlf wept ; much won, that he his love > 

Had fo ennobled^ ^ of choice t' incnr 
Divine dtfpleafiire for her iake, or deaths . 
In rcconnpenfe (for fuch compliaace bad «• i > 

Such recompenfe beil inerits) for the .hougb , jfp^^ 
She gave him of that fair enticing fruit s 
With liberal hand : he fcrupled not to eat* . 
Againft his better knowledre ; not deceiWy - 
But fondly overcome with raaale charm. , < ,, ' 

Earth trembled from her entrails, as i^ain iCfXf 
In pangs ; and Nature gave a fecond groan ; ! 

Sky lour'dy and uttering thunder, fojbe ikd drof^. 
Wept at completing of &e mortal iin 
Original ; while Adam took no thought, ' . :. 

Eating his fill; nor Eve to iterate iOtg 

Her foriher trefpafs fear'd, the Aibre to febtbe 
Him with her lovM fociety ; that noW}' 
As with new wines intoxicated bothy < 
They fwim in mirdi, and fancy that they fed 
Divinity within there breeding wings rofO 

Wherewiih to fcorn the earth. But that faUe fraic 
Far other operation firft difplay'd; 
Carnal defire inflnming ; he on Eve • ' 

Began to caft lafcivious eyes, fhe him 
As wantonly repaid ; in luft they burnt lorf'' 

Till Adam thus 'gan Eve to dalliance roovoL 

Eve, now I fee thouart exad oftafte, ; 

And elegant of (apience no fmall part, 
Since to each meaning favour we applyt ' 

AncJ palate call judicious : 1 the praife X0S9 

Yield thee, fo well this day thou haft purvey 'd. 
Much pleafure we have loft, while we abftatn'd 
From this delightful fruit, nor known till now. 
True rclifh tafting ; if fuch pleafure be . 

In things to us forbidden, it might be wiiVd, lof/ 
For this one tree had been forbidden ten. • 

But come, fo well refrcfb'd, now let us p)ay> 
As meet is, after fuch delicious fare ; 
For never did U17 bc«Lva7 C\titt v\ie dai . 



X. PARADISE Lbsf. ai| 

:e firft, and wedded thee» adom'd 1030 

I perfeflions, fo inflame my fenfe 
•dour to enjoy tlicc, fairtr now 
rer, bounty of this virtuous tree, 
d he, and forbore not glance or toy 
pons intent; well underftood '^3^ . 

whofe eyes darted contagions Ere ; 
id he feiz'd, and to a fhady bank, 
verhcad with verdant roof imbow'r'd, 
ber nothing loath ; f!ow*rs were the couch, 
and violets, and afphodel, 1C40 

acinth, earth's frcfhcft loftcftlap; 
[icy their fill of love, and love's difport 
rgcly of their mutual guilt the feal, 
ice of their fm ; till dewy fleep 
'd them, wearied with their amorous play. 1045' 
as the force of that fallacious fruit, 
th erhilarating vapour bland 
heir fp'rits had play'd, and inmoft pow'rs 
T, was now exhalM ; and groiTcr fleep 
unkind fumes, with confcious dreams 1050 
er'd, now had left them ; up they rofe 
1 tinrei^, and each th' other viewing, 
und their eyes how openM, and their minds 
.rken'd ; innocence, that as a veil 
dow'd them from knowing ill, was gone ; lojj 
ifidence, and native righteoufnefs, 
nour from about them, naked left 
ty fliame j he covcr'd, but his robe 
r'd more. So rofe the Danite ftrong, 
:an Samfon, from the harlot-lap ic6b 

iftean Delilali, and wak'd 
f his ftrength ; they deftitute and bare 
heir virtue : filent, and in face 
fided, long they fat, as Oruckcn mute : 
am, though not Icfs tlian Eve abafli'd, 1065 
;th wave utterance to thcfe words condrain'd. 
re, in evil hour thou did'ft give ear 
: falfe worm, of whomfoevcr taught 
itcrfcit man's voice ; tnie in our fall, 
ourpromis'dhfiug ; finceaxu e^i,« icncs 

D d 



21% PARADISE LOST. BooxIX. 

Was 1 1* have never parted from thy fide ? 
As good have grown there ftill a lifelefs rib. 
Being as I am, whj did'ft not thou the head 115; 
Command me abfolutely not to go. 
Going into fuch danger as thoa faid'il ! 
Too facile fhen thou did'ft not much g^nfay ; 
Nay, did'ft permit, approve, and fair difmifs. 
Had'il thou been firm and $x?d in thy difient, 1 160 
Neither had I trahigrefs*d ; nor thou with me. 
To whom then firft incens?d^ Adam replyfd. 
Is this.tb^ ^oye, is this the recompenle 
. Of mine to thee^ ungrateful Eve, exprefsfd 
. Immutable, when thou wert loft, not I ; u^ 

Who might have iiv'd, and joyf d immortal bEfiy 
. Yet willingly choie rather death with thee i 
And am I now upbraided as the caufe 
Of thy tranigrefiing ^ not enough fevercp 
It feems, in thy reftraint ; what could I more I i !]• 
Iwarn'd thee, I admonifli'd thee, foretold 
The danger, and the lurking enemy 
That lay in wait ; beyond this had been force. 
And force upon free will hath here no place. 
But confidence then bore thee on, fecure 1 1 7{ 

Either to meet no danger, or to find 
Matter of glorious trial ; and perhaps 
I alfo err'd in overmuch admiring ' 
What feem'din theefo perfed, thtt I thought 
No evil durCt attempt thee ; but I rue 11 So 

That error now, which is become my crime^ 
And thou th' accufer.. Thus itfhall befal 
Him who to wordi in woman overtruftingy 
Lets her will rule : reftraint fhe will not brook ; 
And left t' herfclf, if evil thence enfue, 1 1 85 

She firft his weak indulgence will accufe. 
llius they in mutual accuiation fpent 
The fruitlefs hours, but neither felf-condemniogt 
And of their vain conteft appear'd no end* 



End of the Nimth Book. 



PARADISE L O S T. 

B O O K X 



l.HE ARCUMENT. 

J^arii tranfgreffion known, the guardian Angels firfake 
Paradife^ and return up to Heaven to approve their 
vigilance S and are approved ^ God declaring that the 
. -entrance of Satan could not be by them prevented, ' titt 
fendt his Son tp judge the tranjgrejfors ; nuho defiendsp 
oind gives fentence accordingly / then in pity clothes tketfi 
and rea/cendf. Sin and death ^fitting till then at the 
gates of bellt by ivondrous fympathy feeling the fuccejs 
cf Satan in this nemi luorld^ and the Jin by man there 
committed^ refolve to Jit no longer confined in hell, but 
to follow Satan their Jire up to the place of 7nan z To make 
the way' eajter from hell to thit world to and fro, they 
pave a broad high-ivay or bridge over Chaos, according 
to the track that Satan firjl made ; then preparing for 
earth, they meet him, proud of his fuccefsy returning to 
J>ell s their mutual gratulation. Satan arrives at Pan* 
deni^nium, in full affembly relates with boajling his fuc" 
eefs againfl man ; infteadofapplaufe, it entertainedwith 

- . a general hifs by all his audience, transformed nmth 
himfelf alfo fnddenly into fsrpents , according to his doom 
given in Paradife ; then deluded with ajljew of the for ^ 
bidden tree fpringing up before them, they greedily reach- 
ing to take of the JJ'uit, chew dujl and bitter ajhes. 
The proceedings of Sin and Death : God foretells the 
final victory of his Son over them, and the renewing of 
all things; hut for the prefent commands his Angels to 
pfoke Jeverai alterations in the heavens and elements. 
Mam more and more perceiving his fallen condition^ 
heavily bewails ; rejects the condolement of Eve j Jhe 
p^tjijisf and at length appeafes him : then, to evade the 
■curfe likely to fall on their offspring, propofes to Adam 
vioUnt waysi which he approves not; but conceiving bet- 



2to PARADISE LOST. ' BooRXk 

ter hcpei. puts her in mind nf the htepr9mif€tnadethem^ 
that her feed Jhould be revenged on the fer pent ^ and et» 
hrtf hsr ivith him to fetk peace of the offended DHfy, If 
repentance and fupplication. 

MEAN while the heinous and defpifeful tft 
Of Sutan done in Paradife, and how 
He in the fcrpent had perverted Eve> ^ - 

Her hufb^mJ (lie, to taftd the fatal Ouit, 
Was known in heav'n ; for what cati 'fcapifi thtf eye j 
Of Goo all feeing, or deceive his heart 
Omnifcient ? who, tn all things wrfe and juft. 
Hindered rot Satan to attempt the mind 
Of man, with ilrength entire, and free wtU arm'di 
Complete to hare difcoTer'd and repuls'd lO 

Whatever wiles of foe or feennng friend. 
For flill they knew, and ought t' have ftill r c meinbeiM 
The high injunftion not to tafte that fruit. 
Whoever tempted ; which they not obeyingt 
IncnrrM (what could they lefs ?) the penalty, i^ 

And manifold in fin, defervM to fall. 

Up into heav*n from Paradife in hafte 
Th' angelic guards afcended, mute and fad 
For Man ; for of his ftatc by this they knew. 
Much wond'ring how the fnbtle fiend had ftoPn tQ 
Entrance uofeen. Soon as th' unwelcome news 
From earth arriv'd at heav'n gate, difj^as'd 
AU were who heard ; dim fadnefs did not fpare 
That time celeilial vifages, yctmii'd 
With pity, violated not their bKfs. jj 

About the new-arriv'd, in multitudes 
Th' ethereal people ran, to hfiar and know 
How all bcfel : they tow'ards the throne fcTpmne 
Accountable made hafte, to make appear 
With righteous plea their utmo(l vigilance ; j3 

And ealily approv'd : when the Moft High 
]£ternal Father, from his fccret clotid, 
Anflidft in founder litter'd thus his voice. 

AiFembled Angels, and ye pow'rs reium'd 
from unfuccdiiful charge, be not difmay'd, jf 

JVor troubled at thefe l\d\i\^s ^xorci xi^^ tasvh^ 
Which your fi.icvicl\ cure cc^u\vi tloX-^icjwc^ 



iX. PARADISE I.OST. jti 

told fo latelj vhat would come to paTs. 
n Hrft this tempter cror&M thepilf fn»m HcU, 
i 7^ then he fltould prtvsiil and Tpeed 49 

is bad errand ; man fhould be foduc'd 
flLitter'd out of all, believing li.^s 
nfthis Maker : no decree ot nnoe 
urring to neceflitate his fall, /' . 

mch with lighteft roomeDt of impuUfi ^j; 

Tree will, to hfv own inclining left 
ren fcale. But fall'n he is : and now 
t reds, but that the mortal ftnrcnce paff 
lis tranfgre^Tion, deathi cicnountM tliat day ? 
;h Le prefumes already vain and void, 50 

.ufe not yet inflicted, as he fear'd, 
snie immediate llmke ; but foon fliall find 
learance no acquittance ere day end, 
ce fliall not return as bounty fccrn'd. 
(vhom fjnd I to judge them ? w bom but thee 5 J 
gerent Son ? to thee I have transftii'd 
judgment, whether in heaven, or earth, or helL 
it may be fcen that I intend 
:y colleague with juftice, fending thee, 
's friend, his Mediator, his defign'd fo 

I ranfom aiul Redeemer vtJuntary, 
deRin'd man himfclf to judge man fall'n. 
) fpake the Father, and unfolding bright 
'ard the right liand his glory, on the ^n 
.*d foi :h uncloudf d deity : he full 65 

»lcndent all his Fallier manifeft 
refs'd, and thus divinely anlwcr'J xn3d. 
ither eternal, thine is to decree ; 
t both in hcav'n and earth to do ihy will 
erne, that .tliou in me thy Son bcltw'd ^q 

*ft eveir reft well pleas'd. I go to judge 
rarth thcfe thy tr^r.fgrefors ; but thou inow'I^ 
)cvcr jude'd, the worft on me mnft light, . 
m time rii.ill be ; for fo I undertook 
■re thee ; and not repenting, this obtain jm 

ight, that i may niitigate thtir doom, 
ne dcriv'd 4 yet 1 iliall temper £6 
ce with mercy', as may ilhiftratc mod 
Ti fuUf fsLtisfy'd, and ihee aippcjk£c •• 



sii PARApISE LOST. SooiL 

Attendance none (hall need, nor train, 'where none 80 
Are to behold the judgment, but the judg'd. 
Thofe two ; the third bed abfent is conderon'd, 
Conrid by flight, and rebel to all law ; 
Convi<5Vion to the fcrpent none belongs. ^ 

Thus faying, from his radiant feat he roft 85 

Of high collateral glory' ; him thrones and pow*!! 
Princedoms and dominations miniftrant 
Accompanied to heaven-gate, from whence 
Eden and all the coaft in profpedt lay. 
Down he defcendcd ftraight ; the fpeed of gods 90 
Time counts not, though with fwifteft minutes wing'd. 
Now was the fun in weft em cadence low 
From noouy and gentle airs due at their hour 
To fan the earth now wak'd, and «fher in 
The evening cool; when he. from wrath morecooli 9J 
Came, the mild judge and interceffor both. 
To fentcnce man. The voice of God they heard 
Now walking in the garden, by foft winds 
Brought to their ears, while day declin'd they heard. 
And from his prefence hid themfelves among 100 
Tlie thickcft trees, both man and wife ; till God 
Approaching, thus to Adam call'd alond. 

Where art thou, Adam, wont with joy to meet 
My coming feen far ofF ! I mifs tJiee here, 
Notplcas'd, thus entertained with folitude, IC5 

Where obvious duty' crcwhile appeared unfought : 
Or come I lefs confpicuous, or what change 
Abfents tliee, or what chance detains ? Come forth. 

He came, and with him Eve, more loath , tho' firft 
T* offend ; difcount'nanc'd both, and difcompos'd : 
I.ove was not in their looks, either to God ill 

Or to each oth^r ; but apparent guilt. 
And (hame, and perturbation, and defpair. 
Anger, and obflinacy', and hate, and guile. 
Whence Adam falt'iing long, thus anfwcr'd brief. US 
I heard thee in the gard'n, and of thy voice 
Afraid, being naked, hid myfelf To whom 
Tlie gracious Judge without revile reply'd. 
My voice thou oft haft heard, and haft not fear'd. 
But Rill rejoic'd ; lic>'w \s \X wc^vj btcome 1 29^ 

So dreadful to tiitt ^ Cftdw O;iou' ^\\. Yy:i\L^4^ -wV^ 



Book X. PARADISE LOST* Uj 

I£ith told thee ? haft thou eaten of the tree 
Whereof I gave thee charge thou fbould^ft not eat ? 
. To whom thus Adam fore befet reply'd. 

hcav'n ! in evil ftraight this day I ftand 1 2J 
iBefore my Judge, cither to undergo 

Myfelf the total crime, or to accufe 
My other felf, the partner of my life ; 
Whnfc failing while her faith to me reitiams, 

1 (hould conceal, and not expofe to hlnme 130 
By my complaint : hut ftri<S*neceffity 

Stibdues me, and calamitous conilraint, 

L«eft on my head both fih and puniOmient, 

However infupportable, be all 

Devolved ; tho* ftiould I hold my peace, yet thou 135 

Would*ft eafily detcA what 1 conceal ; 

This wdmiin, whom thou mad'il to be my help. 

And gav'ft me as thy perfeft gift, fb good. 

So fit, fo acceptable, fo divine. 

That from her hand I could fufpe£t no ill ; 140 

And what (he did, whatever in itfelf, 

W&r doing feem'd to jiiflify the dfcd ; 

She gave me cf the tree, and 1 did eat. 

- To whom th6 Sovereign Prcfence thus reply'd. 

Was fhe thy Con, that her thou did'ft obey 14^ 

Before his voice ? or was (he made thy guide, 

Superior, or but equal, that to her 

Thou did'ft reGgn.thy manhood, and the place 

Wherein God fct thee' above her, made of ihcc. 

And Tor thee, whofe perfedtion far excolI'J i^o' 

Her's in all real dignity ? Adon/d 

She was indeed, and lovely to attr:i«5l 

Tfcylove, not thy fubjedlion ; and licr gifts 

Were fuch as under :»ovcrnment well ffem'J, 

Unfcemly to bear rule ; whi;h was thy pirt 155 

And perfljn, liad'ft thou known thyfelf aright. 

So hiving faid, he thus to Eve in few. 
Say, woman, what is this vhirh thou h:ift done? 

To whom fad Eve wirh (hamc nigh bvcrwhcliiiM, 
Confcding foon, yet not before her judge 1 60 

Bold or loqaacfmis, thus abafh'd reply'd. 
TOe fcrpent ms hcguil'd, and I did ca.t, 

irt -'^ 



224 PARADISE LOST. BookX. 

Which when the Lord Gob heiard, wirJiout dela/ 
To judgement he proceeded on th' accusM 
S:rpcnt. tho' brute, unable to transfer i6j 

ITie guilt on him who made him inllrumcnt 
Ot mifchief, and polluted from the end 
Of his creation ; juflly then acrursM, 
As Vitiated in nature : more to know 
Conccrn'd not man, (fmce he no further knew), 176 
Nur akcr'd his offence ; ,yct God at laft 
^J'o Satan firfl: in fin his doom apply'd, 
Though in myflerious terms, jiidg'd as then heft: 
And on the ftrpe.it thus his curfe let fall. 
Lecaufe thou haft done this, thou art accur&'d 175 
Above all cattle, cachbcafl of the field; 
Upon thy btliy grovelling thou fhalt go. 
And duft Ihalt eat all the days of thy life, 
li-^twecn thee and the woman I will pat 
r.nmity, r.nd brtv;een thine and her feed ; 18b 

Her feed diall bruifc thy head, rfioii braife his hecL 

»So fpake this oracle, then vcrify'd 
Wlien Jesus fon of Mary, fecond Eve^ 
Saw Satan fall Wht lightning down from hekv*h, 
Prince fif the air ; then rifinj:: from his grave iSj 
Spoil' J priucipalir.ies and pow'rs, triumphed 
In open fhew, ?nd v/iih afcenfion bright 
Captivity led captive through the air, 
The realm itfelf of Satan long ufurp'd : 
Whom he fliall tread at lafl imder our feet ; 190 

Ev'n he who now foretold his fatal bruife, 
And to tlie woman thus his f:ntence tum*d. 
'J'hy forrow 1 will greatly multiply 
By thy conception ; children thou {halt bring 
Jn forrow forth ; and to thy hufband's will IQJ 

'j^'hine fiiall fubmit ; he over thee (liall rule, 

Cn Adam laft thii3 judgement he pronouncM, 
Bccaiife ihtmhafl hcarken'd to the vou'e of thy wifs, 
And eaten of the tree, concerning which 
1 chai j^'d I bee, faying, thoM fhalt not eat there<"f : 2C0 
Curs'd is the grr.und For thy fake ; thou infoirow 
5hak eat thereof aW 'tl\c dav*. uf thy Irf- ; 
Thorns alio and iW^^'.es \\. (t\\\\\>v\ts7^^^w-^Kc<tCv\ 
Unhid, and Uiou ftvAt c-a\.v\)? Yiu\>Q\.\l\'i^^'\, 



p3|. PARAPI3E: LOST. 225. 

e fweet oFikj {ac« flialt thou eat bread, 205 

hou return unto the ground ; for thou 
)f the ground waft taSen, know thy birtby 
aft thou apt, and ihalt to duft return, 
judged the man, both judge and faviourfent : 
ih* inftan; ftroke of death denouncM that day 219 
>v*d far off; then pityine how they ftqod 
e.him naked, to the a.ir, that now 
fuffsr change, difdain'd not to begin 
ceforth the forpa f>f fcrvant to aflame ; 
hen he waQi'd his fervant's fee;, fb nquv nj 

ther of tiis £^m\j^ he clad 
' nakednef^ with il^ins of beafts, orijaip, 
i the (hake with youtliful coa^ repaid 
thought not inuch to clothe his enemies ; 
le their outward only wiih ^e ikim t^Q 

afts, b^t inward nalfednefs, much more 
obrious, wi^h his robe of righteoufnefs, 
^ng- cover'd frora his Father's figh(« 
m with fwift afcent he up rcturn'd* ^ 

lis blifsful bofoYp reafium'd 22; 

Dry as of old ; to him appeared, 
hough all knowing, what had pafs*d with man 
mnted, tnixing interceilion fweet. 
tan whil^j ere thus was (inn'd and judg'dop earthf 
in the gates of hell fat Sin and Deaths 239 

[interview within the gates, that now 
1 open, wjde, belching outrageous ilame 
ito Ch;^os, fmce the fiend paJEsM through^ 
>'ning, who thus now to iieath began. 
Ton, why fit we here each other viewing ^jy 

while Saran^ our great author thrives 
ler worlds, and happier feat provide^ 
s, his offspring dear. It cannot be 
lat fuccefs attends hitn ; if miihap, 
lis he had refAim'd, with fury driv'n 249 

s aveng^r$ ; fmce no place like this 
It his puuiihment, or their revenge, 
inks I feel new ftrength within me rife, 
s growing, an4 dominion giv'n me large 
lid this deep ; whatever draws mt oci^ i.\^ 

£ c a 



J26 PARADISE LOST. BooiX. 

Or fympathy, or fome connatVal force, 

P )\v'rful at grcatefi diftance to unite, 

Wiih fccrct amity, things of like kind» 

By fccretcft conveyance. Thou, my fiiade 

Infrparable, mult with me along : 159 

For Death from »Sin no pow'r can feparate. 

But left the dilEculty of paffing hack 

Stny his return perhaps over tliis gulf 

Imp.iflUble, impervious, let us try 

Advcnt'rous work, yet to thy pow'r and mine «j5 

Not unagreeable, to found a path 

Over this main from hell to that new world 

Where Satan now prevails ; a monunaent 

Of merit high to all th' infernal hoft, 

Eafing their pafTage hence, for intercourfe, s6o 

Or tranfmigration, as their lot fhall lead. 

Nor can I mifs the way, fo ftrongly drawn 

By this new felt attraction and inftindt. 

Wliom thus the meag^re fbadow anfwer'd foony 
Go whither fate and inclination ftrong 16^ 

Lead thee ; 1 Iball not lag behind, nor err 
The way, thou leading ; fuch a fcent I draw 
Of carnage, prey innumerable, and tafte 
The favour of death from all things there that live ; 
Nor fliall I to tlic work thou cntcrprifeft J70 

Be wanting;, but afford thee equal aid. 

So faying, with delight he fnuflF'd the fmell 
Of mortal change on earth. As when a flock 
Of ra\-*nous fowl, thouch many a league remote, 
A^ainft the day of battle, to a field, 275 

Where armies lie encampM, come flying lur'd 
With fcent of living carcafes defign'd 
For death, the following day, in bloody fights 
So fcented the grim feature, and upturned 
His noftril wide into tlie mirky air, 280 

Sagacious of his quarry from fo far. 
Then both from out hell gates, into thewafte 
Wide anarchy of Chaos, damp and dark« 
- Flew diverfe ; and with pow'r (their pow'r was great) 
Hov'ring upon the waters, what they met 2S5 

Solid or iliroy, as in tagm^fca. 
2 bii up and down9 togaViw cicpk^^ &nn^» 



cX. PARADISE LOST. isy 

1 each fide (hoaling tow'ards the month of hell | 
hen two polar winds, blowing adverfe 
I the Cronian fea, together drive 290 

itains of ice, that (lop th' imagined way 
nd Petfora eaftward, to the rich 
aian coaft. The aggregated foil, 
h with his mace petrific, cold and dry, 
'ith a tridentfmote, and fix'd as firm 295 

>clos floating once ; the reft his look 
id with Gorgonian rigour not to move ; 
with Afphaltic flime, broad as the gate» 
) to the roots. of hell the gathered beach 
faften'd, and the mole immenfe wrought on, 3C0 
tlic foaming deep high archM ; a bridge 
ngth prodigious, joining to the wall 
ovable of this new fencelefs world 
:it to Death ; from hence a pa/fage broad, 
>th, eafy, inoflFenfive, down to hell. 3c c 

: great things to fmall may be compared, 
cs, the liberty of Greece to yoke, '■ 
I Sufa his Memnonian palace high 
! to the fea, and over Hellefpont 
jing his way, Europe with Afri join*d, 3 f o 

fcoufg'd with many a (Iroke th' indignant wave^ 
had they brought the work by wondrous art 
fical, a ridge of pendant rock, ' 
the vex'd abyfs, following the track 
itan, to the felf fame place where he 3 r 5 

lighted from his wing, and landed fafe 
I out of Chaos, to the outfidc bare 
is round world : with pins of adamant, 
chains, they made all fad ; too fafl they made, 
durable ; and now in little fpace 320 

ronfines met of empyrean heav'n, 
of this world, and on the left hand hell 
long reach interpos'd ; three fev'ral ways 
;ht, totach of thcfe three places led. 
now their way to earth they had defcry'd, 325 
aradife £rft tending, when behold 
I, in likenefs of an Angel bright, 
ixt the Centaur and the Scorplvotk fcttntv^ 
*Mitb, wiiile theiun ia Aries Tolt *• 



$2% PARADISE LOST. Bogi^. 

Difgui&'d He caxne ; but thofs his children dear 350 

Their parent foon difcern'd,. though ia difguife* 

He, after Eve fdduc'd, unminded flunk 

Into the wood faft by, and ghapging fli.apa 

T' obferve the fequel, faw his guileful ci^ 

By Eve, though all unweeting^ fecpnded. 3J5 

Upon her huiband ; faw th^ir {^ame th^| fQUght 

Vain overtures ; but when be f^w derccn4 

The Son of God to judge tlispri, terrify '4. 

He fled not hoping to cfcape^ but (hun 

The pref(?nt, fearing guilty what his wrath 31? 

Might fuddcnly inflict ; that pafs'd* reiura'd 

J5y night, and liU'ning where the haplefs pair 

*>at in their fad difcourfe, and vafigus plainty 

Thence gathered his own doom ; which aoderftpod 

Not inftant, but of future time, with joy J4J 

And tidings fraught, to Hell he now retum'4 « 

And at the brink of Chaos, near the fpot 

Of this new* wondrous pontifice, unbop'd 

Met, who to meet hin> came, his offspru)g dear* 

Great joy was *t their meeting, an^ f^t (ighx Jjf 

Of that ftupendpus bridge his joy incres^s'd* 

Long he adi^iring flood, till Sin, his fair 

Enchanting daughter, thus the filence broke. 

O parent, the^ are thy piagnific deeds. 
Thy trophies, which thou view'ft as not ihineoWAi 
Thou art their author and prime archite^ : 35$ 

Vor I no fooner in my heart divinM, 
My heart, which by a fecret harmony 
Still moves with thine, join'd in connexion Tweet, 
l^hat thou Qtt earth had'ft profper'd, which thy loojcf 
Kow alfo evidence, but ftraight I felt, 3^^ 

Though diitant from thee, worlds betweeoi yet fcU 
Tbat I muft after thee with this thy fon ; 
8uch fatal confequence unites us three. 
Hell could no longer hc^ld us in her bounds, 365 

Nor this unvoyageable gulf obfcurc 
JXetain from following thy illuftrious traft. 
Thou haft atchiey'd our liberty, corifin'd 
Wichin hell- gates cill now ; thus us impowcr'd 
To fortify thus far, and ovetU^ ^79 

With this portentous bt\<i£tO^%^ax\^3W 



I PARAfitSfi LOST. 825 

tiow 13 all this world ; thy yirtue* baih won 

hy hands builded ft6t, tliy wifdom gain'd 

ids what war hath loft, and fully* avergM 

I m Hcav'n ; lierfc thou fhalt xnonarrh reign, 

did'ft not : there let Inm ftill viftor fway 376 

tie hath ^djudg'd, from this newUr-orld 

ig by his oWn doom alienated, 

!nceforth monarchy with thee divide 

hings parted hy th* empyreal bounds 3^0 

adrature, from thy orbicular world, 

thee now more dang'rons to liis throne. 

)m thus the prince of dai knefs aufwet'd glad. 

.ughter, and thou fon and grandchild both, 

iroof ye now have giv'n to be the race 385 

an, (for 1 glory in the name, 

3nift6f HeavVs Almighty king), 

•^avfc merited cf me, of all 

fernal empire, that fo near heav'n's door 

phal with triumphal aft have met, ^go 

'iththis glorious work, and made one realm 

id 'this world, 6ne realun, one cor.tincnt 

'thorough -fare. Therefore while I 

d through darktiefs, on yOtir road witheaffr, 

artbciate powers, them to acquaint 395 

hefe fuccefTcs, and with then rtjf)icc ; 
70 "this way, among thefe num'rous orbs, 
ars, righ't down to Paradife defccnd ; 
dwell, and reign in hlifs ; theace on the eiarth 
lion cxercife, and in the air, 40O 

' on Ma^, io^ lord of all declared ; 
rft make fnre your iiu.^n, and laftly kifl. 
jftitntes I fend ye, tind ere*. ^ 
otent oti earth, of matchlefs rrn^^^ 
r from me: on your joint vigour ftoi^ 
id of this ne^ kingdom all depends, 
ighfmto death cxposM by my exploit. 
ir joint pow'r prevail, th'arffairs ot hdl 
triment need fear ; go, and be firong. 
faying he difmifs'd them ; they with fpccd 410 

courfc through thickcft cohftellations held, 
dinjr their ban^- ; the blaftcd aArsVooV4^^i • 
dmets, pknetiirttck, tcaVcdx^i'i 



t^o PARADISE LOST. BooflL 

Tlicn fuffcr'd. Th* other way Satan went down 
The caufey to hell gate ; on cither fide 41.5 

Difparted Chaos over- built exclaim'd, 
And with rebounding furge the bars a/Tail'd, 
That fcom'd his indignation : through the gate. 
Wide open and. unguarded, Satan pafs'd^ 
And all about found defolate, for thofe 4?« 

Appointed to fit there had left their charge* 
Flo^^*n to the upper world ; the reft were all 
Far to th' inland ret irM about the walls 
Of Pandemonium, city, and proud feat 
' Of Lucifer, fo by allufion call'd, ^j^ 

^ Of that bright ft.ir to Satan paragon* J. 

!# There kept their watch the legions, while the grand 

In council fat, folicitous what chance 

Might intercept their cmp'ror fent ; fo he 

Departing gave command, and they obferv*<L 45« 

As when the Tartar from his Ruffian foe. 

By Aftracan, over the fnowy plains, 

Retires ; or Banian Sophi from the horns 

Of rurkifh crcfcenii leaves all wafte beyond 

The realm of Aladale, in his retreat 455 

To Tauris of Cafbeen : fo thcfe, the late 

Heav'n-b.ini{h'd hoft, left dcfert utmoft hell 

Many a dark leagi:e, rednc'd in careful watch 

Round their metropolis, and now expefting 

Each hour their great advent'rer from the fearch 440 

Of foreign worlds. He through the midft unmark'df 

In (how plebeian Angel militant 

Of loweft order, pafsM ; and from *i'c door 

Of thit Plutonian hall, inv^ole 

Afcended the higli tV ^^«> ^'l^'^h under ftate 44; 

Of richeft tcxlP' 'f\^^°' ^^ th' upper end 

Was placV *' ^^^^^ '"'^^- l^^wn a while- 
, , ,,\ ..nd round about blm r^w nr^r.^^r^ . 

I clad 450 

W::s; left him, or falfc ^'litter.'"' Au'amaz'd 
/\t th.:t fo fudden bla/c, the Stygian throng 
lient Lhcir afpec^ ; and whom they wiih'd beheld 
Tiiar nngLiy chief rctura'd ; loud was ih' acclaim- 



i^ PARADISE LOST. 13 1 

uihM in hafte the great confulting peers 45 £ 

from their dark divan, and with like joy 

tulant approach'a him» who with hand 

, and with thefe words- attention won. 

mes, dominations, princedoms, virtues^ pow'rs^ 

poflefllon fuch, not only' of right 461 

e and declare ye now, return'd 

ful bttyond hope, to lead ye forth 

^hant out of this infernal pit 

nable, accurs'd, the houfe of woe, 465 

mgeon of our tyrant : now fiofTefs, 

Is, a fpacious world, t' our native heay'n 

nferior, by my adventure hard 

eril great atchiev'd. Long were to tell 

[ have done, what fuffer'd, with what pain 470 

d th' unreal vaft, unbounded deep 

rible confufion» over which 

and Death a broad way now is pav'd 
:dite your glorious march ; but I 
out my uncouth paflage, forcM to ride 47^ 
tradtable aby&, plungM in the womb 
riginal Night and Chaos wild, 
euous of their fecrets, fiercely* opposed 
rney ilran^, with clamorous uproar 
Ing fate fupreme ; thence how I found 480 
w created world, which fame in heay'n 
lad foretold,- a fabric wonderful 
»lutc perfe&ion, therein man 
in a Paradtfe, by our exile 
lappy ; him by fraud I have feduc'd 48^ 

lis Creator, and, the more t' increafe 
/ondef, with an apple ; he thereat 
ed, vroHh your laughter, hath giv'n up 
is beloved matVand all his world, 

and Death a prey, and fo to us, 49Q 

It our hazard, labour, or alarm, 
go in, and to dwell, and over man 
5, as over all he (h'oiild have nd'd. 
;, me alfo he hath judg'd, or ratlicr 
:, but the brute ferpent, in whofe (hape 49 j 

deceiv'd : that which to me belongs 
ity, vflijch he will put between 
Ff 



n< PARADISE LOST. BootX. 

Me and mankind : I am to bruife bis heel ; 
His feed, when is not fet, (hall bruife my head : 
A' world who would not purchafe with a bruifet 500 
Or mucli more grievous pain ? Ye have th* account 
Of my performance : what remains, yc gods^ 
But up, and enter now into full blifs ? 

So having faid, a while he flood, expeffcing 
Their univerial (bout and high applaufe 505 

To till his cars ; when contrary, he hears 
On all fides, from innumerable tongues, 
A difmal univeifal hifs, the found 
Of public fcorn ; he wonder'd, but not long 
Had Icifurc, wondVing at hirafelf now more ; 5 10 
His vifage drawn he felt to (harp and fpare. 
His arms clung to his ribs, his legs intwining 
Each other, till fupplanted, down he fell 
A monftrous ferpent on his belly prone, 
Reludant 5 but in vain, a greater pow'r 51 J 

Now rul'd him, punidiM in the (hape he fixm'dy 
According fo his doom : he would have (poke, 
9ut hifs for hifs returned with forked tongue 
To forked tongue ; for now were all transform'd 
Alike, to fcrpents all, as acce(rories 520 

To his bold riot : dreadful was the din 
Of biffing through the ball, ibick fwarming now 
With complicated monfters head and tail ; 
Scorpion, and Afp, and Amphi(h;j5na dire, 
Ceraftes horn'd, Hydrus, and Slops drear, 525 

And Dipfas, (not fo thick fwarm'd once the (oil 
Bedropt with blood of Gorgon, or the ifle 
Ophiufa) : but (till greateft he the midft. 
Now dragon grown, larger than whom the fun 
Ingender'd in the Pythian vale on (lime. 530 

Huge Python, and his pow'r no lefs he ieem'd 
Above the reft ftill to retain : they all 
Him followM iflfuing forth to th* open field. 
Where all yet left of that revolted rout 
Heav'n fall'n, in ftation ftood or juft array, ^^y 

Sublime with expcdlation when to fee 
In triumph ifluing forth tlieir glorious chief: 
Tiiey f:iw, but odieT fight. m^t^iA, ?l ^\o>Hd 
Ofu^ly fcrpents \ horiot ou v\«TaiO^> 



SS PARADISE LOST. J3J 

liorrid fympathy ; for what they faw, ^ 540 
feltthernfelves now changing ; down their arms, 
I fell both fpear and fhield, down they as faft, 
:he dire hifs renewed, and the dire form 
'd by Contagion ; like in punifhnient, 
their crime. Thus was th' applaufe tliey meant 
'd to. exploding hifs, triumph to (hame 546 

nthemfelves from their own mouths. There flood 
JVC hard by, fprung up with this their change, 
'ill who reigns above, to aggravate 
penance, laden with fair fruit, like that 550 
h grew in Paradife, the bait of Eve 
by the tempter : on that profped ftrange 
earnell eyes they fix'd, imagining 
ne forbidden tree a multitude 
ris'n, to work them further woe or fliame ; 55 j 
arch'd with fcalding third and hunger fierce, 
gh to delude them fent, could not abftain ; 
n they roll'd in heaps, and up the tr^es 
>ing, fat thicker than the fnaky locks 
curl'd Meg«ra : greedily they pliick'd ^6i^ 

Tuitage fair to fight, like that which grew 
that bituminous lake where Sodom flam'd : 
more delufive, not the touch, but taftc 
Vd ; theyfondly thinking to allay 
• appetite with guft, in (lead of fruit 56^ 

M bitter alhes, which th' oiFended tafte 
fpatt'ring noife rejeded : oft they efTay'd 
rer and third conftraining, drug'd as oft, 
hatefullclt difrelifh writh'd their jaws 
foot anji cinder fill'd : {o oft they fell 570 

the fame illufion, not as man, [plagu'd 

m they triumph'd once laps'd. Thus were they 
worn with famine, long and ceafelefs hifs, 
heir loft fhape, permitted, they refum'd ; 
y injoin'd, fome fay, to undergo 575 

annual humbling certain number days, 
lib their pride, and joy for man feduc'd. 
5ver, fome tradition they difpers'd 
ng th? Heathen of their purchafe got, 
fabled how tlie fcrpent, whom \iit^ c^ 4. ^^ 
F f a 



f34 PARADISE LOST. Booi $. 

Ophion vith Eiirynome, the wide 

Encroaching Eve, perhaps, had (irft the rule 

Of High Olympus, thence by Satan driven 

And Ops, ere yet DI£laean Jove was born. I 

Mean while in Paradise the helliih pair 58; 

Too foon arriv'd. Sin there in pow'r lief ore, 
Once aiH-iial, now in body, and to dwell 
Habitual habitant ; beheld her Death ' 
Clofe following pace for pace, not mounted yet 
On his pale horie : to whom Sin thus began. fps 

Second of Satan fprung, all- conqu'ring Death, 
What think'ft thou of our empire now, though. eani'd 
With travel difficult, not better far ' *' 
Than dill at hell's darjc threfhold t' have fat watch, 
Unnam'd, nndreaded, and thyfelf half- ftarv'd ? 59J 

Whom thus the Sin- bom monfter anfwer'd foon. 
To n^c, who with eternal famine pine, ' " •• 
Alike is Hell, or Patadife, or Heaven. 
There beft, wherfe moft with ravin I may meet ; 
Which here, though plenteous, all to<^ little feems 6ot 
To ftuflF this maw, this vail unhide-bound corps. 
^ To whom th' inccftuous mother thus reply'd. 
Thou therefore on thcfe herbs, and fruits, and floors 
Feed firft[ on each beaft next, and fifiij and fowl, 
Ko homely morfels ; and what other thing 60J 

The fcythe of Time mows down, devour unfpar'd ; 
Till I in man refiding, through the race, ' 
His thoughts, his looks, words, acfVions, all infe^ 
And fcafon him thy laft and fwcetcft prey. 

This faid, they both betook them feveral ways, 6i« 
Both to deftroy, or un immortal make 
All kinds, and for deftru^^ion to mature 
Sooner or later : which th* Almighty feeing. 
From his tranfcendent feat the faints among. 
To thofe bright orders urter'd thus his voice. 61 J 

See with what heat thcfe dogs of hell advance 
To wafte and havock yonder world, which I 
So fair and good created, and had ftill 
Kept in that (late, had not the folly* of man 
Let in thefe waftcful furies ; who impute 6i9 

Folly to mc ; fo doth the prince of hell, 



zX. PARADISE LOST. 235 

his adherents, that with fo much cafe 
erM them to enter and poflefs 
ace fo hcav'nly, and conniving feem 
ratify my fcornful encm ics, 62 g 

laugh, as if tianfported with fome fit 
liliony I to them had quitted all, 
mdom yielded up to their mifnile ; 
know not that 1 callM and drew them tljither» 
ell hounds, to lick up the draff and filth 630 
:h man's polluting fin with taint hath (hed 
'hat was pure, till crammM and gcrg'd, nigh burft 
I fuck'd and glutted- offkl, at one fling 
ly victorious arm, well plcafing Son, 
Sin, and Death, and yawning Grave at laft 635 
lugh Chaos hurl'd, ob(lru^ the niouth of Hell 
:ver, and feal up his rav'nous jaws 
1 heav'n and earth renew'd fhaLl be made pure 
m^ify that fhall receive no ftain ; 
then the curfe pronoun c'd on both precedes. 640 
c ended, and tlie hcav'nly audience loud 
; Halleluiah, as the found of feas, 
>ugh multitude that fung : Jud are thy ways, 
iteous are thy decrees on all thy works ; 
I can extenuate thee ^ Next, to the Son, 64J 

in'd Reftorer of mankind ; by whom 
heav'n and earth fhall to the ages rife, 
own from lieav'n defcend. Such wasthefong; 
le the Creator calling forth by name 
mighty Angels, gave tliem feveral charge, 6^0 
)rtcd bed widi prefent things. ' The fun 
firll his precept fo to move, fo ihine, 
night affedl the earth with cold and heat 
ce tolerable ; and from the north to call 
cpit winter ; from the fouth to bring 6^5 

itial fumroer's heat. • To the blank moon 
office tliey prefcrib'd; to th' otlier five, 
r planetary motions and afpetfts, 
xtile, fqiiare, and trine, and oppofite 
oxious efficacy, and when to join 659 

nod unbenign ; and taught the fix'd 
r influence maliguaat when to fhow'r ; ' 



136 PARADISE LOST. BookX. 

Which of them rifing with the fun, or falling. 

Should prove tempeftuous : to the winds they fet 

Their corners, when with blufter to confound 66ji 

Sea, air, and fhore, the thunder when to roll 

With terror through die dark aereal hall. 

Some fay he bid his Angels turn afkaunce 

The poles of earth twice ten degrees and more 

Fk-om the fun's axle ; • they with labour pulh'd 670 

Oblique the centric globe : fome fay the fun 

Was bid turn reins Irom th' equinodtal road 

Like di(bint breadth to Taurus with the fer'n 

Atlantic Sifters, and the Spartan Twins, 

Up to the Tropic Crab 5 thence down amaia 675 

£y Leo, and the Virgin, and the Scales, 

As deep as Capricorn, to bring in change 

Of feafons to each clime ; elfe had the fpring 

Perpetual fmilM on earth with vemant flow'rs. 

Equal in days and nights, except to thofe 680 

Beyond the polar circles ; to them day 

Had unbenighted (hon«, while tlie low fun 

To recompenfe his diftance, in their fight 

Had round sd ftill th* horizon, arid not known 

Or eaft or weft^ which had forbid the fnow 685 

From cold Eftotiland, and fouth as far 

Beneath Magellan. At that tafted fruit 

'1 he fun, as from Thyeftean banquet, turnM 

His courfe intended ; elfe how had the world 

Inhabited, tho' fmlefs, more than now, 690 

Avoided pinching cold and fcorching heat ? 

Thefe changes in the hsav'ns, tho' flow, produced 

Like change on fea and land, fideral blaft. 

Vapour, and mift, and exhalation hot, 

Corrupt and pcftilent : now from the north 695 

Of Norumbega, and the Samoed fhore, 

Burfling their brazen dungeon, arm'd with ice. 

And fnow, and hail, and llcrmy guft and flaw» 

Boreas, and Csecias, and Argcftes loud. 

And Thrafcias, rend the woods, and feas upturn ; 7CO 

With adverfe blaft upturns them from the fouth 

Motus and Afer black with thundrous clouds 

jFrom Serra}iona -, thwart of tliefe as dcrce 



X. PARADISE LOST. ^37 

rufli the Levant and the Ponent windsj 
and Zephyr, with their lateral noifet 705 

o, and Libecchio. Thus began 
ge from lif clefs things : but Difcord fir{l» 
fiter of Sin among th' irrational 
introduced, through fierce antipathy : 
now with bead 'gan war, and fowl with fowl, 
i(h with fifh ; to graze the herb all leaTing* 711. 
ir'd each other ; nor Qood much in awe 
m, but fled him, or with count'nance erim 
1 on him pailing. Thefe were from without 
rowing miferies, which Adam faw 715 

dy' in part, though hid in gloomteft fhades, 
rrow* abandoned ; but worfe felt within, 
n a troubled fea of paffion coft, 
to diiburden fought with did complaint* 
niferable of happy ! is this th' end 720. 

is new glorious world, and me fo late 
lory ot that glory, who now become 
s'd of blefled ? hide me from the face 
3D, whom ta behold was then my hcighth 
ppinefs ! yet well, if here would end 735 

nifery ; I deferv'd it, and would bear 
vn defervings ; but this will not ferve ; 
lat I eat or drink, or Ihall beget, 
pagated curfe. O, voice once heard 
hlfully, Incrcafe and multiply^ . 750 

death to hear ! for what can I increafe 
Likiply but curfes on my head ? 
9f all ages to fucceed, but feeling 
vil on him brought by me, will curfe 
lad ? Ill fare our anceftor impure ; 735 

lis we may thank Adam : but his thanks 
be the execration ; fo befides 
own that bide upon me^ all from me 
with a fierce reflux on me redound, 
e as on tlieir natural center light 740 

jT, though in their place. fl .'eting joya 
radife, dear bought with lading woes 1 
requellthee, M:iker, from my clay 
auld me Man I did i folicit thee 



23i PARADISE LOSfl fiooiK 

From darknefs to pi^mote me, or here place^ 74; 

In this delicious garden ? As my ^^ill 

Concurred not to my be'ing, it were but right 

And equal to reduce me to my daft, 

Defirous to refign and render back 

All I received, unable to perform 750 

Thy terms too hard, by.which 1 was to hold 

The good I fought not. To the lofs of that, 

Sufficient penalty^ why had thou added 

The fenfe of endlefs woes ? inexplicable 

Thy juftice fcems 5 yet to fay truth, too late 755 

I thus conted ; then (hould have been refus'd 

Thofe terms whatever, when they were proposed : 

Thou did'ft accept them ; wilt thou enjoy the goodf 

Then cavil the conditions ? And though Got> 

Made thee without thy leave, what if thy fon 76* 

Prove difobedient, and reprov'd, retort. 

Wherefore did*ft thou beget me' i I fought it not : 

Would'ft thou admit for his contempt ofthee 

That proud excufe ? Yet him not thy ele^ion, 

But natural neccffity, begot. 76J 

God made thee' of choice his own, and of his own 

To fcrve him ; tliy reward was of his grace ; 

Thy punifhment then jnftly' is at his will. 

Be' it fo, for 1 fubmit ; his doom is fair. 

That duft I am, and Ihall to duft return. 770 

O welcome hour whenever ! why delays 

His hand to execute what his decree 

Fix'd on this day ? why do 1 overlive ? 

Why am I mock'd with death, and lengthened out 

To dcathlefs pain ? how gladly would I meet 77J 

Mortality my fcntence, and be earth 

Infenfibly ? how gLid would lay me down 

As in my mother's lap ? there 1 (hould reft 

And fleep fccure ; his dreadful voice no more 

Would thunder in my ear ; no fear of worfc 780 

To roe and to my offspring would torment me 

Wiih cruel expectation. Yet one doubt 

Purfues me ftill, left all I cannot die ; 

Left that pure breath of life, the fp'rit of man. 

Which God infpiiM, cannot tog^hcr pcrlili 785 



L PARADISE LOST. ij^ 

lis corporeal clod ; then in the graTe^ 

line othet difmal place» who knows 

liall die a living death i O thought 

, if true! yet why? it was but breath 

that fixta'd : what dies bnt what had iife jgd 

I ? the body properly had ncitlier. 

ne then (hall die ; let this appeafe 

abt, finee human reach no further knows. 

ugh the LoiD of all be infinite, 

rath aKb ? be it, Man is not fo, •^95 

rul doomM. How can he exercife 

without end on Man» whoni death mud end ? 

make deathleft death ? that were to make 

contradidiony which to God htmfelf 
i)le is heldy as argument 800 

oiefs not of pow*r. Will he draw out, 
^er's fake» finite to infinite 
(h'd man* to fatisfy his rigour 
d never? that were to extend 
:enee beyond dnft, and nature's law, 86^ 

:h all canles elfe according dill 
reception of their matter aft, 
:h* extent of their own fphere. But fay 
ath be not one (Iroke, as I {upposM, 
Rg fenfe, but endlefs mifefy 816 

lis day onward, which 1 feel begun 

mcr and without me, and fb lad 
>ctuity :* Ay me, that fear 
:hund'ring back with dreadful revoiution . 
lefencelefs head ; both Death and I Sl^ 

nd dtemaly and incorporate both ; 
n my part (lingte, in me alt 
IT (lands curs'd: fair patrimony « , 
muft leave ye, ions ; O were I able ^ 

:e in all myfelf, and leave ye none ! 8iO 

herited« how would ye Wife 
V your curfe ! Ah, why Ihould all mankind 

roan's fault thus guiltlefs be condemn^, 
efs ? But from me what can proceed, 
:orrupt« both mind and wiU depraved, 8/f 
lo only, but to wHl the iaiDd 
Off 



S40 PARAPISE LOST. BookX. 

With me ? how can they then acquitted (land 

In light of God ? Him after all difputes 

ForcM I abfolvc : all my evafion Tain, 

And reasonings, though through mazes, lead me ftill 

But to my own convi6:ion : firft and laft 831 

On me, me only r as the iburce and fpring 

Of all corruption, all the blame lights due ; 

So might the wrath. Fond wifli ! could thou fupport 

That burden heavier than the earth to bear, i^$ 

Than all ihe world much heavier, though divide 

Wirh that had* woman ? Thus what thou defir*ft. 

And what thoii fear'ft, alike deftroysall hope 

Ot refuge, and concludes thee roifcrablc 

Beyond all pa ft example and future, Ssjt 

To Satan only like both criflfie and doom. 

confcjcnce, into what abyfs of fears 

And horrors haft thou driv'n me ! out of which 

1 find no way, from deep to deeper plung'd i 
Thus Adam to himfelf lamented loud 84J 

Through the ftill night ; not now, as ere man fell, 
"Wholefome and copl, and mild, but with black air 
Accompanied, with damps and dreadful gloom, 
' V/hich to his evil confcience reprefented 
All things with double terror : on the ground 85O 
Outftretch'd he lay, on the cold ground, and oft 
CursM his creation, death as oft accused 
Of tardy execution, fmce denounc'd 
The day of his offence. Why comes not death. 
Said he, with ore thrice acceptable ftroke 855 

To end me ? Shall Truth fail to keep her word, 
Juftice divine not haften to be juft ? 
But Death comes not at call, Juftice divine 
Mends not her floweft pace for pray'rs or cries. 
O woods, O fountains, hillocks, dales, and bow'rs, 86# 
With otlier echo late 1 taught your fhades 
To anfwer, ar.d refound far other fong. 
Whom thus afHivSled,' when fad Eve beheld, 
Dcfclate where Ihe fat, approaching nigh, 
Soft words to his fierce paflion (he aflay'd : 865 

But her with ftcrn regard he thus repell'd 
Out of my f gill, thou fcrpcnt; that name bfft 



3C PARADISE LOST. 141 

» thee Ivith him Icagu'd, thyfelf as falfe 
hateful ; nothing wants» but that thy fhape, 
his, and colour ferpentine may Ibow 870 

inward fraud, to warn all creatures from thee 
eforth, left that too hcav'nly form pretended, 
ellilh falfehood fnare them, but for thee 
t perlifted happy, had not thy pride 
wand'ring vanity, when leaft was (afe, Sjg 

Ud m/ forewarning, and difdain'd 
o be tniftcd ; longing to be feen, 
gh by the dev'il himfelf, him overweening 
/er- reach ; but with the ferpent meeting, 
d and beeuilM ; by him thou, I by thee, 880 
uft thee fi-om my fide, imagined wife, 
ant, mature, proof againft all a^aults { 
underftood not all was but a (how, 
rr than foUd virtue* ; all but a rib, » 

ccd by nature, bent, as now appears, . 88 J 

to the part linifter, from me drawn, 
if thrown out, as fupernumcrary 
y juft number found. O why did God, 
or wife, that peopled higheft Heav'n 
fpirits mafculine, create at la(l 890 

lovelty ou earth, this fair defedt 
ture ; and not fill the world at onee 
Men as Angels without feminine, 
d fome other way to generate 
ind ? This mifchicf had not then befallen, 895 
Tiore that (hall befal ; innumerable 
rbances on earth through female fnares, 
Irait conjunftion with tnis fex : for either 
?ver fhiU find out fit mate, but fuch 
me misfortune brings him, or midake ; 9C0 
lom he wifhes moil mall feldom gam 
jgh her perverfcnefs ; but (hall fee her gaia'd 
:*ar worfe ; or if (he love, withheld 
ircnts ; or his happieft'choice too late 
meet, already link'd and wedlock bound 905 
fell adverfary's hate or (hame $ 
h infinite calamity Ihall caufe 
iman life, andhoufehold peace cpnfound* 
G g z 



94.» PAKADISE LOST. BooiX 

He added not, and from her tum'd ; bnt Eve 
Not fo repuls'dy witli tears that ceas'd not flowing, gi9 
And trefles all diforder'd, at his feet 
Fell humble, and embracing them, be(bu|^ht 
His peace, and thus proceeded in her plamt 

Forfake me not thus, Adam, witne& Heav'n 
What love fincere, and rev'rencc in my heart 915 
I bear thee, and un wee ting have ofiendedr 
Unhappily dccciv'd ; thy fuppliant 
I beg, and clafp thy knees ; bereave me noC» 
Whereon I live, thy gentle looks, thy aid, . 
^Thy counfel, in this uttermoft diftrefs, 920 

My only ftrength and ftay : forlorn of thee. 
Whither fhall 1 betake me, where fiibfifl ? 
While yet we live, fcarce one fhorthour perhaps. 
Between us two let there be peace, both joining. 
As join'd in iojuries, one enmity • 915 

Againft a foe by doom exprels afEgn'd usp 
That cruel ferpent. On me exerpife not 
Thy hatred for this roiTery befall'n, \ . • 

On me already loft, me than thyfelf 
More miferable : both have finn*d, but thou ; 930 
Againft God only', I againft God and thee j 
And to the place of jtidgement will return. 
There with' mV cries importune Heaven, that all 
The fentence from thy head removM, may light 
On me, fole canfc to thee of all this woe, 935 

Me, roe only, juft objc& of his ire. 

She ended weeping ; and her lowly plightf 
Immoveable till peace obtained from fault 
Acknowledg'd and deplor'd, in Adam wrought 
Commlferation ; foon his heart relented 940 

Tow'ards her, his life fo late and fble deh'ghtf 
Kow at his feet fubmidive in diftrefs. 
Creature fo fair his reconcilement feeking. 
His counfel, whom (he had difpleas'd, his aid ; 
As one difarm'd, his anger all he loft, A^f . 

And thus with peaceful words upraised her foon. • ' . 

Unwary', and too dcfirous, as before. 
So now of what thou know'ft not, who dcilr'ft 
The puniihment all on thyfclf ; alas ! 



:X. PARADISE LOST. *«4j 

thine own firft, ill able to fuftain 950 

uU wrathy whofe thoii feel'd as yet leaft part, 
my difpleafure beair'ft €0 ill. If pray'rs 
i alter high decrees, I to that place 
Id fpeed before thee, and lie louder heard, • 
on my head all might be yifitedi ^jf 

frailty and infirmer fex forgiv'n, 
e committed^ and by ntie expos'd. 
ife, let us no more contend, nor blame 
other, blamM enough elfewhere : but ftrive 
ices of love, how we may lighten 960 

other's burden in our (hare of woe ; 
tliis day's death denounced, if ought I fee 
prove no fudden* but a flow-pac'd evil, 
ig day's dyine, to augment our pain, 
to our feed (O hapleis feed ! } derived. 96; 

► whom thus Eve, recovering heart, reply'd. 
n, by fad experiment I know 
little weight my words with thee can find, 
d fo erroneous, Uience by juft event 
d fo unfortunate : neverthelefs,. 9.70 

»r'd by thee, vile as I am, to place 
:w acceptance,^ hopeful to regain 
love, the fole contentment of my heart, 
ig or dying, from thee I will not hide: 
thoughts in my unquiet breaft are rifen 975 
!ing to fome relief of our extremes, 
id, though (harp and fad, yet tolerable, 
1 our 'evils, and of eafier choice. 
re of our defcent perplex us mod, 
:h ^u(l be bbrn to certain woe, devoured 98# 
)each at laft ; and miferable it is 
e to others caufe of mifery, 
3wn begott'en, and of our loins to bring 
this cuded world a wofiil race, 
after wretched life mull be at laft 9SJ; 

. for fo foul a monfter ; in thy pow'r 
6 1 yet ere conception, to prevent 
race unblefs'd, to be'ing yet unbegor. . 
Uefs thou art, childlefs remain : fo Death 
. be deceived his glut, and with us two 6$m 



'«4f PAWADISfe LOST, BooiX. 

Be forcM to fatisfy his rav'nous maw. 
But if thou judge it hard and difficulty 
Converfing, looking, loving, to abdain 
From love's due rites, nuptial embraces Aveet> 
And with defire to languifh without hope, 995 

Before the prefent objefk languilhihg 
With like defire, which would be mifery 
And torment Icfs than none of what we dread ; 
Then both ourfelvcs and fctd at once to free 
From what we fear for both, let us make fhort» 1000 
JLet us feek Death ; or he not found, fupply 
With our own hands his office on ourfelvcs ; 
Why ftand we longer (hiv'ring under fears. 
That fhow no end but death, and have the pow'r 
Of many ways to die the (horteft chufing, 1CC5 

^efbnidron with deftrudliori to deftroy ? 

She ended here, or vehement defpair 
Broke off the reft ; fo much of death her thoughts 
Had entert^nM, as dy*d her checks with pale. 
But Adam, with fnch counfcl nothing fway*d, loia 
JTo better hopes his n^ore attentive mind 
Laboring had rais'd, and thus to Eve reply *d. 

Eve, thy contempt of life and pleafure fcems 
To argue in thee fomctbing more fublinie 
And excellent than what thy mind contemns ; I0f| 
put fclf-deftruftion therefore fought, refutes 
That excellence thought in thee, and implies^ 
Kot thy contempt, but anguilh and regret 
For lofs of time and pleafure overlov'd. 
Or if thou covet death as utmoft end icio 

Of mifery, fo thinking to evade 
The penalty pronounc'd, doubt not hut Got> 
Hath wifelier arm*d his vengeful ire than fo 
1*0 be foreftall'd ; ir.ui h more I fear left death 
So fnatch'd will not exempt us from the pain icaf 
^e are by doom to pay ; rather fiuh afts 
Of contumacy will provoke the Highelt 
To make death in us live : then let ns feek 
Some fa fer refolution, which methfnks 
1 have in view, chilling to mind v/ith heed icjo 

fart of ourfenttcce, that tbyijceci ihuU bruife 



BqokX. Paradise lost, t^j 

The ferpent's head ; piteous amends, unlefs 
Be meant, whom I conjedlure, our grand fo€ 
Satan, who in the ferpent hath contrivM 
Againll us this deceit ; to crufli his head 1 03 J 

Would be revenge indeed ; which will be loft 
By death brought on ourfelves, or childlefs days 
RefolvM, as thou propofeft; fo our foe 
Shall Tcape his puniihment ordain'd, and we 
Inllead (hall double ours upon our heads. 1040 

No more be mentioned then of violence 
Againft Qurfelves, and wilful barrennefs. 
That cuts us off from hope, and favours only 
Rancour and pride, impatience and defpite, 
Reludance againil God, and his juft yoke 104; 

X-aid on our necks. Remember with what mild 
And gracious temper he both heard and judg'd^ 
Without wrath or reviling : we ezpeded 
Ifnmediate difTolution, which we thought . 
Was meant by death that day ; when lo» to thee 1050 
Pains only in child-bearing were foretold. 
And bringing foith, foon recompensed with joy. 
Fruit of thy womb 2 on me the curfe ailope 
Clanc'd on tlie ground : with labour I muft earn 
My bread: what harm? Idlenefs had been worfe; 1055 
My labour will fuilain me : and led cold 
Or heat ihould injure us, his timely care 
Hath unbefought provided, and his hands 
CJoth'd us unworthy, pitying while he judg'd ; 
How much more, if we pray him, wHl his ear loiSo 
Be open and heart to pity' incline, 
And teach us further by what means to (hun 
Th' inclement feafons, rain, ice, bail, and fnow ? 
Which now the fky vjri;h various face begins 
To (hew us in this mountain, while the winds' ic6^ 
Blow moift and keen, Ihatt'ring the graceful locks , 
' Of thefe fair fprcading tree^ : whjch bids us feck 
Some better fhroud, Ibme better warmth to chcrifh 
Our limbs benum'd, ere this diurnal liar 
Leave cold the night, how his gathered beams 1070 
llefleded may with matter fere foment, 
Pr by collilion of two bodies grind , 



M PARADIshB LOST. SooxX. 

Th< air attrite to fire» as late the plouds 

Ju(Uing or puili'd with winds, nidc in their fliock . , 

Tine theflant lighCntng, whofe thwartfiame drii^n dcTR^ 

Kindles the gummy bark of fir or pine, 1076 

And fend a comfortable heat from far 

Which might ft^pply the fun : (iich fire to ufef 

And v^bat niay elfe be remedy or cure 

To evils which our own mifdeeds have wrought^ icSi 

He will inftru^ us. praying, and of grace 

Befeeching him, (6 as we need not ^ar 

To pafs CQmmodiou% this life, fuftain'd • 

By him with many comforts, till we end . 

In duft, our final reft arid native home. . loSjf 

What better can we do, than to the place 

Repairing where he judg'd us, proftrate (a3l 

Before him reverent, and there confefs 

Humbly ourfaulu, and pardon beg, with tears" 

Wat'ring the ground, and with our fighs the air icpb. 

Frequenting, £ent from hearts contrite, in fign 

gfforr'ow unfeign*d, and humiliation meek? 
ndoobted he will releUt, and turn 
From his difpleafure ; in whofe look ferene. 
When angry moft He feem'd, and moft fevere, 109} 
What elfe but favour, grace, and mercy (hone ? 

So fpake our father penitent ; nor Eve 
Felt lefs remorfe : they forthwith to the place 
Repairing where he judg'd them, proftrate fell 
Refore him reverent, and both confefs'd i lod 

Humbly their fauks, and pardon bcgg'd with tears 
Watering the ground, and with their fighs the air 
Frequenting, fent from hearts contrite, in fign 
4)f forr'ow unfeign'd, and humiliation meek. 



Ei9D OF THE Tenth Bcx^i. 



PA R A D iSX tost, 

M O % %l 



Th E Arc UM.En t/ 

vie Son ofCodfrefentt to his Father the praters pf our 
firft , parents now repent higy iand intercedes fir phem i 
God accepts them, but declares that they viufl no longer 
abide in Paradife ; fends Michael fwith a band of Cl^" 
rubim to difpojfefs themj hutfirji id ireveal i9 Adamjfii" 
ture things : M/chaePs cpnung do^n. jl^damjh^f^s to 
Eve certain ominous Jigns ; he diffierfis Michael's op* 
proof hi goes out to meet lum : the Angel denounces their 
departure^ , Eye's losnentation, Adam pleads. 9 b^tf^b•' 
Miti .* the Angel leads him up to a high hill, aii^feps hefir^ 
him in vi/ton 'ybhatjhall happen tiff the fi^oii, 

THUS they in lowliefft pligJit repentant ftoo^ 
Prayiag ; for from the mercy-fe^it abcvq 
J^revcnient grace dcfcending had rcmovM 
The ftony nom their hearts, and made new flefh 
Regenerate grow jnftcad, that fighs now br(*ath'4 jf 
Unutterable, which the fp'rit of pra/r 
Infpir'd, and winged for Heav'n with fpeedser flight 
Than loudeft oratory : yet theh-port . 
Not of mean fuiters, nor important lefi 
S«ein*d their petition, tlian when th^ ancient fJair 16 
In fables old, Ufs ancient yet than thefe, 
Deucalion and chafte Pyrrha, to reftore 
The race f f mankind drowned, before the flirine 
Of Themis Rood devout. ■ To Heav'n thcte pray Vs 
Flew up nor mifs'd the way, by envious winds j^ 
Flown vagabond or fruftrate : in they pafs^d 
Pimcnfionhfs through heay'nly doors ^ then cla<i 
H? h 



348 PARADISE LOST. BqokXI. 

With mcenfe, where the golden altar fum'J, 

By their great interccflbr, came in fight 

Before the Father's throne : them the glad Son 20 

Prefenting, thus to intercede hegan. 

See, Father, what firft fruits on earth are fprung 
From thy implanted grace in man> thcfe fighs 
And pray'rs, which in this golden ceofer jnix'd 
With ii^ccnfe, I thy Pried before thee bring ; 2j 

Fruit's of more pleafing favour from thy feed, 
Sown with contrition in his heart, than thofe 
Wl'iich his own hand nianuring all the trees 
Of Paradl'fc could have procured, ere falPn 
From innocence. New therefore bend thine car 3© 
To" fupplication ; hear his fighs, though mute i 
"Unfkiiful with what words to pray, let me 
Interpret for him, me his advocate 
And propitiation : all his works on me. 
Good or not good, ingraft ; my merit thofe '55 

Shall perfedl ; and for thefe my death fhall pay. 
Accept me, and in me from thefe receive 
The fmdl of peace tow'ard mankind ; let him live 
Before thee reconciled, at lead his days 
Numbered, though fad, till death, his doom (which I 
To mitigate thus plead, not to reverfe), 4I 

To better life Ihall yield him, where with me 
All my redeemed may dwtll in joy and blifs. 
Made one with me, as I with thee am one 

To whom the Father, without cloud, ferene : 4J 
All thy requeft for Man, accepted Son, • 

Obtain ; all thy requefl was my decree. j 

But longer in that Paradlfe to dwell, i 

The law I gave to Nature him forbids : 
Thofe ptirs immortal elements, that know 50 

No grofs, r.o inharmonious mixture foul, 
I]th him tainted now, and purge him oflf 
As a d Idem per, grofs to air as grofs. 
And mortal fc^od, as may difpofe him bed j 

For difrolution wrought by fm, that firft 5J 

Diftemper'd all things, and of incorrupt 
Corrupted I at firft with two fair gifts 
Created him, ervdoVd m\X\ W^^\tv^^% 



XL PARADISE LOST. 249 

immortality . that fondly loft, 
other ferv'd but to eternize woe, 60 

provided death ; fo death becomes 
inal remedy, and after life • 
i in (harp tribulation, and. refinM 
lith and faithful works, to fecond life, 
'd in the renovation of the juft, 65 

;ns him up wiih heav'n and earth renew'd. 
et us call to fynod all the blefs'd 
' Heaven's wide bounds ; from them 1 will not hide 
idgemcnts, how with mankind 1 proceed, 
ow with peccant Angels late they faw, 70 

in their ftate, though firm, ftood more confiri'd. 
; ended, and the Son gave fignal high 
le bright minifter that watchM ; he blew 
rumpet, heard in Oreb fmqe perhaps 
a God defcendcd, and perhaps onc^ more 75 
)und at gen'ral doom, 'I'h* angelic blaft 
I all the regions : from their blifsful bowVs 
aarantine (hade, fountain or fpring, , . 

le waters of life, where'er they fat 
lowfliips of joy, the fon§ of light 80 

:d reforting to the fummons high, 
took their ieats ; till from his throne fupreme 
\.lmighly thus pronounc'd his fov'reign will. 
Tons, like one of us man is become 
now both good and evil, fmce his tafte €5 

lat defended fruit : but let him boaft 
rnowledge of good lofti and evil got ; . t 
5ierj had it fufficM him to have known 
I by itfclf, and evil not at all. 
jrrows now, repents, and prays contrite ; 90 

notions in him, longer than th?y move, 
•eart I know, how variable and vain 
eft. Left therefore his now bolder hand 
h alfo of tlie tree of life and eat, 
live for ever, dreiim at kaft to live 95 

ver, to remove him I decree, 
fend him from the garden forth to till 
ground whence he was taken, fitter foil, 
chad, this my beheft have ihou *uv cVvw^^ \ 
Hh 2 



$i4 PAltADISE LOST. JHo^xH 

llezTt'ttrn^ wii}i rhilling gripe of forrow ftoodf 
lliat »llhis fcnfes bound : Eve. who luifeea g6j 

Yet M had beard, vith audible lament 
Difcover'd foon tbe flace of her retire., 

O uncspeded ftrolce, ivorfe thai;i of death ! 
Maft I thus leave thee* Paradife ?* thus leare 
Thee, native ioil, iheie iiappy iv^ks amd ihades. 170 
Fk haunt of Go«is ? where i itad .hope to fpcnd^ 
Quiet, thovgh iad. the refpite of that day . 
That muft be mortal to us both ? O flow'it 
That never will in other climate grow. 
My early vifitatTon, and my \m\ ayj 

At ev'n, which 1 bred up with tender hand 
From the Htfi cp'niag bui^ and gave ye names. 
Who now fii4ll rear fe to the fua, or rank 
Your tribes «nd water from th' ambroiial fount ? 
lliee laftly, nuptial bpw'r, by me adorja'd agqi 

With what toiight or imell was fwect ! from thee 
How fhall I part, and whither wander down 
Into a lower world, to this obfc ure 
And wild ? howihall we breathe in otiier air 
Lef;: pure, accuftom'd to immortal fruits ? 28 j 

Whom thus the Angel Interrupted mild : 
Lament not, Eve, but patitniJy reCgn 
What jurtiy thou hail loft ; nor fet liy Iicai t, 
Thus over* fond, on that V'hidi is not thine ; 
Thy poingis.not lonely; wiili thee goes ajK) 

TJiy hrfband ; him to follow tljoa an bound ; 
Where he abides tlunk there thy native foil. 

Adam by this from the cold fuJden damp 
Recov'iing, and his fcatter'd fp'rits rctiu-n'd. 
To Michael thus his huuible wcriis addi efiv'd. 295 

• Celeftial, wlicther among tlie Thrones, or namM 
or them the high'cftjfor fucb of fhape may fcem 
Prinee above princes, gently thou haft told 
Thy meflag'', which might elfe In telling wound, 
And in performing end us ; what bi.(id»;3 300 

Of forrow, and dcjeftion, and dcfpair. 
Our frailty, can -fuftain, thy tiJiiigs bring, 
Departure from thisliappy place, our fweet 
ftecefi^ and only qo&ioL^icn 14*1 



Xt PARADISE LOST. 255 

liar to our eyes i all places elfe $c£ 

pitable appear and defolate, 
:nowing us nor known : and if by pray'r 
[Imt I could hope to change the will 
m who all things can, 1 would not ceafe 
eary hirfi with my affiduous cries : 3 (6" 

)fayef againft his ahiolute decree 
lore avails than breath againll the wind, 
Ti ftifling back on him that breathes it forth ; 
efore to-his great bidding I I'ubmit. 
nioft affli^^s me, that departing h^nce, 3 1^ 

om his face I (hall be hid, depriv'd 
>lefled countenance i here i codld frequent - 
worfliip place by place where he vouchfaf 'd 
ncc divine, arid to my fons relate, 
lis mount he appear'd, und-Tthis tree 320 

i vilible, among thefe pines his voice 
rd, here with him at this fountain talk'd i 
any .grktefal altars I would rear 
-aflTy turf, and pile \ip ev*ry ftone 
.(Ire from the brook, in memory, 335 

onuitienC to ages, and thereon 
fweet fmelling gums, and fruits, p.nd flow'rs : 
mder nether world, where fhuU I feek 
>right appearances, or foocfteps trace ? 
hough T fledh^m angry, yet recalled 33O 

fe prolorig'd and promis'd race, I now 
ly behold though but his utmoft fkirts 
ory, and far off his fteps adore. 
t whom thus Michael, with regard benign. . 
n, thou know'fl: Heav'nhis, and all the earlli 33 j[ 
this rock only' ; his omniprefence fills 
I, fea, artd air, knd ev'ry kind that lives^ 
mted by his virtual pow'r and warm'd : 
h' earth he gave thee to poflefs arid rule, 
efpicable gift ; furmife not then 340 

>refence to thefe narrow boimds confined 
aradife or Eden ; this had been 
ips thy capital feat, from whence had fprtad 
;encrations, and had hither come 
I all the ends of th' earth, to celebrate 3 45 

I i 



956 PARADISE LOST. BooiXJ. 

And reverence thcc their great progenitor. 

But this pre eminence thou' haft loft, brought down 

To dwell on even groimd now with thy fons : 

Yet doubt not but m valley and in plain 

God is as here, and will be found alike 550 

Prefent, and of his prefcnce many a fign 

Still following thee, ftill comparing thee round 

With goodncfs and paternal love> his face 

Expreis, and of his fteps the trad divine. 

Which that thou may*{l believe, and be confirm'd 35; 

Ere thou from hence depart, know I am fent 

To fhew thee what Ihall come in future dayi 

To thee and to ihy offspring good with bad ; 

Expe(5l to hear fupernal grace contending 

With finfulnefs of men ; thereby to learn jfio 

True patience, and t6 temper joy with fear 

And pious forrow, equally inu^d 

By moderation either ftatc to bear, 

ProfperoQs or adverfe : fo ihalt thou lead 

Safeft thy life, and belt prepared endure 365 

Thy mortal pafTage when it comes. Afcend 

This hill ; let Eve (for 1 have drench'd her eyes) 

Here fleep below, while thou to forefight wak^ft ; 

As once thou flept'fl, while (be to life was form'd. 

To whom thus Adam gi^tefuDy reply^d. 37* 

A fcend, I follow thee, fafe guide, the path 
Thou lead'ft me% and to the hand of HeaVn fuliisitf 
However chaft'cing, to the evil turn '' " * 
My obvious brekft, arming to overcome 
By fufF'ring, and earn reft from labour won, 37S 
If fo I may attain. So both afcend " " 
Jn the vinous of God. U was a hill 
Of Paradife the higheft, from whofe top ^ . 

The hemifphere of earth in cleareft ken 
Slretch'd out to th' ampleft reach of profpeA lay. 380 
Not higher that hill, nor wider looking round. 
Whereon for different caufe the tempter fct 
Our fecond Adam in the wildernefs, 
To (hew him all earth's kingdoms, and their glory. 
I J is eye. might there command wherever ftood 3B5 
City of old or modern fame, the feaC 



Book XT. PARADISE LOST. 257 

Of mightieft empire, from the dcftin'd walls 

Of Cambula, feat of Cathaian Can» 

And Samarchand by Oxus, Tcmir*s thronej 

To Paquin of Siniap king, and thence 3^ 

To Arga and Lahor of great Mogul, 

Down to the golden Cherfonefe, or where 

Tlic Perfian in Ecbatan fat, or fince 

In Hifpahan, or where the Rufljan Czar 

In Mofco, or the Sultan in Bizance» 39^ 

Tiircheftan-born } nor could his eye not ken 

Th' empire of Negus to his utmoft port 

Ercoco, and the lefs maritime kings, 

Mombaza, and Quiloa, and Melind, 

And Sofala thought Ophir, to the realm 4c d 

Of Congo, and Angola fartheft fouth : 

Or ihence from Niger flood to Atlas mounts 

The kingdoms of Almanfor, Fe2 and Sus, 

Morocco, and Algiers, and Tremifen ; 

On Europe thence, and where Rome was to (Way 40 j^ 

The world : in fp'rit periiaps he alfo faw 

Rich Mexico, the feat of Montezuma, 

And Cufco in Peru, the richer fts^t 

Of Atabalipa, and yet unfpoil'd 

Guiana, whofe great city Gcryon's fons 41 d 

Call El Dorado. But to nobler fights 

Michael from Adam's eyes the film removed. 

Which the falfe fruit that promis'd clearer fight 

Had bred ; then purg'd with eupharafy and rue ^ 

The vifual nerve, for ne had much to fee ; . 41 J \ 

And from the well of life three drops inftilPd, 

So deep the pow'r of thefe ingredients . pierc'd, 

Ev'n to the inmofl feat of mental fight j 

That Adam now inforc'd to clofe liis eyes. 

Sunk down, and all his fp'rits became intranc'd ; 4.29 

But him the genllc Angel by the hand 

Soon rais'd, and his attention thus.recal1'd. 

Adam, now ope thine eyes, and firft behold ., . 
Th' cfrc<5ls which thy original crime hath wrpugHt- .. j 
In fome to fpringfrom thee, who never toucVd. 4:;^ 
Th* accepted tree, nor with the fnake (^^nfpiir'dL ' . . ' 
Nor finn'd thy fin, yet from that fin derive ' - ^ 
I i 2 



9jS PARADISE LOST.~ Boo»XI. 

Corruption to bring forth more violent deeds. 

His eyes he open'd, and beheld a field. 
Part arable and tilth, whereon were fh caves 430 

JJew reapM ; the other part fheep walks and folds ; ' 
r th* midftan altar as the land-mark ftood, 
Ruftic, of graffy fod ; thither anon 
A fweaty reaper from his tillage brought 
Firft fruits, the green ear, and the yellow fheaf, 43J 

i?ncull'd, as came to hand 5 a fhephferd next, 
lore meek, came with the firftlfng of his flock 
Choiceft and beft ; then facrificmg, laid • 
The inwards and their fat, with inceiife ftrow'd 
On the cleft wood, and all due rites performed. 440 
J-Iis offering fonn propitions fire from Heiav'n 
Confum'd with nimble glance, and gratefiii fieam ; 

The other's not, for his was not fmcei^e : • 

Whereat he inly ragM, and as th^y talk'd. 
Smote hhn into the midriff with a ftone - 44J 

That beat out life ; he fell, and deadly pale 
6roan'd out his foul with gufliing blood effus'd I 
Much at that fight was Adam in his heart 
Difmay'd, and thus in hafte to th' Angel cry'd. 

O teacher, feme great mifchief hath befall'n 450 
To that meek Inan, who well had facrific'd ; 
Is piety thus and pure devotion paid ? ' - 

T' whonft Michael thus; he alfo mo>*d, rcply*d. 
Thefetwo are brethren, Adam, and to come 
Out of thy loins ; f h' unjuft the juR hath flain, 45; 
For envy, that his brother's offering fbuhd 
From Heav'n acceptance : but the bloody aA 
Will be avengM ; and th' other's faith ftp^provM, 
Lofe no reward, though here thon fft him die. 
Rolling in duft and gore. Tb which our lire. 460 

Alas, both for the deed atld for the fc^fe I 
But have I now feen Death ? Is th\i the M^f 
I muft return to native duft ? O fight / ' • 
Of terror; fopl arid ttgly to behold,* '^ '-• 
Horrid to think, how horrible to ffeel [ •' ' *'* - 465 

To whom Michael. D^'ath'thou hidfecn-^ • 
In h'*. firft fliape' on rn:^n ; but many (hapes"'*' 'f- ■ 
Of deaths" and many' are the ways \hatiead- ^ . - 



BookXI. paradise LOST. «9 

To his grim cave, all difinal ; yet to fenie 

More terrible at th' entrance than within. 47Q 

Some, as thou faw'ft, hy violent flroke (hall die. 

By fire, flood, famine ; by intemperance more 

In meats and drinks, which on the earth (hall bring 

l^ifeafes dire, of which a monllrous crew 

Bf fore thee ihall appear ; that thou may'ft know 475 

What mifery th' inabdinence of Eve . 

Shall bring on men. Immediately a place 

Before his eyes appear 'd, fad, noifome, darkt 

A iazar-houfe it feem'd, wherein were laid 

Numbers of all difcasM. all maladies 480 

Of ghaftlyfpafm, or racking torture, qnalijns 

Of heart, fick agony, all fev'rous kind, 

C^oovulfions, epilepfies, fierce catarrhs, 

Inteftine {lone and ulcer, colic pangs, 

X)emoniac phrenzy, moaping melancholy, 48^ 

And moon- ftruck madnefs, pinine atrophy, *. ' 

Marafmus, and wide wading peftilence, 

Propfics, and afthmas, and joint racking rheums. 

Dire was the tofEng, deep the groans ; Defpair • 

Tended the fick, bufieft from couch to couch ; 490 

And over them triumphant Death his. dqrt .. ~ 

Shook, but delay'd to ftrike, though oft invoked , 

With vows, as their chief good, and fina^ hope. ^ 

Sight fo deform what heart of rock could long 

Dry-ey'd behold ? Adam could not$ but wept, ^gj 

Though not of woman born ; compfdSon qiicQ'd 

His bed of man. and gaveJiim jip to tears , . -^ 

A fpice, till firmer, thoughts reftrain'dexcfljk 5 ^ 

And fcarce recovering words his plaint rcneW'i,; 

O miferable mankind, to,whati fall . .500 

Degraded, to what wretched. ftate rcfcrvM 1 
Better en4 her« unbctn . Why is life,giv*n 
To be-thus wrcftcd frofli us ? gather why 
Obtruded on us thcis i .who, if we knew ^ ' 1 
What we recetvcii lyould rather not accept :5C5 

. Life offer*d,:or foon l>eg to J^y i% 4o^^n» 
Glad to befa difpni&y in peace Cm thw " . " ■ 
Th' image of Gqj) J a man , created once" ! 
So goodly aad cre(5tj tipugh faulty .fince^ " ^ 



tfo PARADISE LOST. BooxXL 

To fuch unfightly fuff'ringrs b^ debasM 5 la 

Under inhuman pains ? Why (hould not man^ 

Retaiaing ftill divine fimilitnde 

In part, n-om fuch deformities be free. 

And for his Maker's image fake, exempt ? 

Their Maker's image, anfwer'd Michael, then 51J 
Porfook them, when themfelves they vilify'd 
To ferve ungovem*d Appetite, and took 
His image whom they fenr'd, a brutifli vice, 
InduAive mainly to the fin of Ere. 
Therefore (6 abjedl is their punilhment, 52^ 

DisBg'nng not God's likenefs, but their own | 
Or ifnis iScenefs, by themfelves dcfac*d. 
While they pervert pure nature's healthful rules 
To loathfome Acknefs y worthily, fmce they 
God's image did not rev'rence in themfelves. 53 j 

I yield it juft, faid Adam, and fubmtc* 
But is there yet no other way, befides 
Thcfe painful paflfages, bow we may eome 
To death, and mix with our co-nat'ral dud ? 

There is, faid Michael, if thou well obferve 535 
The rule of not too much, by temp'rance taught, 
in what thoucat'ft and drink'ft. feekine from thence 
Due nonriihmcnt, not gluttonous delight. 
Till many years over thy head return : 
So may'ft thou live, till like ripe fruit thou drop 5 jy 
Into thy mother's lap, or be with eafe 
Gather'd, not harfhly pluck'd, for death matnre : 
This is old age ; but then thou muft outlive 

- T-hy youth, thy Rrength, thy beauty, which wHl change 
To wither'd, weak, and grey ; thy fenfcs then 54O 
Obtufe, all tafte of pleafures muft forego. 
To what thon haft ; and for the air of youth. 
Hopeful and chearful, in thy blood will reign 
A melancholy damp of cold and dry 
To weigh thy fpirits down, and laft confnme 54J 

The balm of life. To whom our ance ftor 1 
Henceforth I fly not death, nor would prolong 

Life much ; bent rather how I may be qiiit 

Faired and caficft of tb\s cxwnbtous charge ; 

Which I muft keep, u\l vcci v^^^^kox^^ 4vf «^^i% 



Book XL PARADISE LOST. s6i 

Of rendering up, and patiently attend 
My difTolution Michael reply'd* 

Nor love thy life, ncr hate ; but wh?t thou liv'ftt 
Live well ; how long or fhort permit to Heav'n : 
And now prepare thee for another fight. 555 

. He look'd, and faw a fpacioas plain» whereon 
Were tents of various hue: by fome were herds 
Of cattle grazing ; others, whence tlie found 
Of inftnimcnts that made melodious chime 
Was heard, of harp and organ ; and who mov'd 56a 
Their flops and chords, wab feen ; his volant touch 
Inftind through all proportions, low and high. 
Fled, and purfu'd tranfverfe the refonant fugue. 
In other part ftood one who at the forge 
Laboring, two maffy clods of ir*on and braft 5^5 

Had melted, (wheth^^r found where cafualfire 
Had waded woods on mountain or in vale, 
Down to xht veins of earili, thence gliding hot 
To fome cave's mouth, or whether wafh'd by ftream 
From under ground ), the liquid ore he drained 5 7^ 
Ijdto fit moulds pre par 'd ; from which he formed 
Firft his own tools j then, what might clfe be wrought 
Fufil or grav'n in metal. After ti>efef 
But on the hither fide, a dif 'rent fort 
From the high neighb'ring hills, which was their feat^ 
Down to the plain, dcfcended : by their guife 576 
Tuft men tliey feem'd, and all their ftudy bent 
To worlhip God aright, and know his works 
Not hid, nor thofe things laft which might prderve a 
Freedom and peace to men : they on the pl^in 580' 
Long had not walk'd, when from the- tents behold 
A bevy of fair women, richly gay 
In gems and wapton drefs ; to th' harp they fuog 
Soft amorous ditties, ^d in dance came on. ■ 
1 he men, though grave, ey'd them, and let their eyes •. 
Rove without rein, till m th' amorpus net - - ^S6 
Fird caught, they lik'4» ^uul each his liking chofe: 
And now of love th^y treat,.tiij^ th- ev.'tiiag (UCt 
Love's harbinger, appear'd; then ail in heat 
They light the nuptial torclu and bid. invoice 59% 

Hymen^ then jEirft to mijirrugciOft^'vctfi ciiii^^'^ 



iSz ^ARAt)IS£ Lost. BookXL 

With feaft and mafic all the tents refound. 

Siirh happy interview and fair event 

Of love and youth not loft, fongs, gai lands, fiow'rs, 

And charming' fymphonies attach'd the heart 595 

Of Adam, foon indinM t' admit delight* 

The bent of nature ; which he thus exprefs'd. 

Tnie op'ocr of mine eyes, prime /Vngel bleis'dy 
Much better fc ems this vifion, and more hope 
Of peaceful days portends than thoie two pad : 6cJ0 
• Thofe were of hate and death, or pain much worfe; 
Here nature feems f ufill'd in all her ends. 

To whom thus Michael. Judge not what is beft 
By ple^ure. though to nature feeming meet. 
Created, as thou art, to nobler end, 6C5 

Holy and pure, conformity divine. 
Thofe tents thou faw'ft fo plcaiant, were the tents 
Of wicked ncfs, wherein fhall dwell his race 
Who flew his brother ; ftudioQs they appear 
Of arts that polifh life, inventors rare, 610 

Unmindful of their Maker, though his Sp'rit 
Taught them, but they his gifts acknowledged none. 
Yet they a beauteous ofispring fhall beget : 
For that fair female troop thou faw'ft, that feem*d 
Of goddeflcs, fo blithe, fo fmooth, fo gay, 615 

Yet empty of all good, wherein confifts 
Woman's domeftic honour and chief praife ; 
Bred only and completed to the taftc 
Of luftful appetence, to fing, to dance. 
To drefs, and troll the tongue, and roll the eye. 610 
To thefe, that fober race of men, whofe lives 
Religious titled them the fons of God, 
Shall yield up all their virtue, all their fame 
Ignobly, to the trains and to the fmiles 
Of thefe fair atheifts, and now fwim in joy, 625 

Erelong to fwim at lar':;e ; and laugh, for which 
The world erelong a world of tears muil weep. 

To whom thus Adam, of foftjoy bereft. 
O pity* and fhamc, that tiiey wiio to live well, 
Eriter'd fo fair, Ihould tarn afide to tread 634 

4,Path5« indircdi* or i\^ the midway faint! 
i5ut fliU i its lliowtVLUi d^la.iv'^^Q^ 



BookXI. paradise LOST. a6j 

Holds on the fame, from Woman to begin. 

From man's effeminate flacfencis it begins. 
Said th' Angel, who would better hold his place 6$S 
By wifdom, and fuperior gifts received. 
But now prepare thee for another fcene. 

He look'd, and faw wide territories fpread 
Before him, towns, and rural works between. 
Cities of men with lofty gates and tow'rs ; 640 

Concourfe in arms, fierce faces threat'ning war, 
Giants of mighty bone, and bold emprife : 
Part wield their arms, part cyrb the foaming ftced. 
Single or in array of bactlc ranged 
Both horfe and foot, nor idly muft'ring ftood ; 645 
One way a band fcleft from forapre drives 
A herd of beeves, fair o.ten and fair kine. 
From a fat meadow- ground, or fleecy flock, 
Ewes and their bleating lambs, over the plarn. 
Their booty ; fcarce with life the fliepherds fly, 650 
But call in aid, which makes a bloody fi-ay ; 
With cruel tournament the fquadrons join ; 
Where cattle paftur'd late, now fcattcr'd lies 
With carcafes and arms th' infanguin'd field 
Dcferted: o*' ers to acity ftrong 65 J 

Lay fiege, incamp'd, by batt'ry, i!cale« and miae» 
Aflaulting; others fromthe wall defend 
With dart and javlin, flones and fulph'rous fire ; 
On each hand flaiighter and gigantic deeds. 
In bther parts the Icepter'd licralds call 660 

To council in the city gates ; anon 
Grey-headed men and grave, with warriors mix'd 
Aflemble, and harangues are heard, butfobn 
In factious oppofition ; till at laft 
Of middle age one rifing, eminent 66g 

in 'wife deport, fpake much of right and wrong. 
Of jufliice, of religion, truth and peace. 
And judgement from above : him old and young 
Exploded, and had fciz'd with violent hands. 
Had not a cloud defcendingfnatch'd him thence 676 
Unfeen amid the throng : fo violence 
proceeded, and oppreffion, and fword-law. 
Through all the plain, an«3 refuu xvoxi^ ^^% ic^NxxA^ 
K k 



«64 PARADISE LOST. BooiXt 

Adam was M in tears, :uid to his guide 

L.amcnting turn'd full fad ; O what are thefe, • 675 

Deatli's minifters, not men, who thus deal death 

Inhumanly to men, and multiply 

Ten thoufandfold the fm of him who (lew 

His brother ! for of whom fuch maffacre 

Make they but of their brethren, men of men ? 6216 

iSut who was that juft man, whom had not Heav'n 

Refcu'd, had in his righteoufnefs been 16ft? ' • 

To whom thus Michatl. Thefe are the produd 
Of thofe ill-mated marriages thouiaw'ft ; 
Where good with bad were match'd, who of themfelves 
Abhor to join ; and by in; prudence mix'd^ 686 

Produce prodigious births of body* or mfnd; 
Such were thefe giants, men of high t-enbwn ; 
For in thofe days might only Ihall be axlniir'd} 
And valour and heroic virtue called ; 690 

To overcome in battle, and fubdae 
Nations, and bring home fpoils with infinite 
Man- (laughter, fliallbc held the highcft pitch 
Of human glory, and for glory done " 
Of triumph, to be ftylM great con'querors, 695 

Patrons of mankind, gods, and fons of gc»ds; 
Deftroyers rightlier call'd, and plagues of men. 
Thus fame (hall be atchicv'd, renown on eartlj. 
And what moft merits fame in filcnce Kid. 
r>uthe,the fev'nth from thee, whom thou beheld'ft, ^c6 
The only righteous in a world pcfverfe. 
And therefore hated, therefore Co befet 
With foes, for daring fmgle to be juft, 
And utter odious truth, that God would come 
T(^ juJge them with his faints : him the Moft Higb» , 
Rapt in a balmy cloud with winged fteeds, 706 

Did, as ihou faw'ft, receive, to walk with GoD 
High in falvation, and the climes of bllfs, 
Exempt from death ; to ftiew thee what reward 
Awaits the good, the reft what puniftiment ;' ' 710 
Which now direfts thine eyes, and fooh behold. 

H* look'd and faw the face of things quite chang'd: 
The brazen throat o? w^rWd ct^i'&'d to rear ; 
All now was lurtiNi lo \o\\v^ utA^'^tcfc^ ' 



1|ookXL paradise LOST. ^6s 

To luxury and riot, feafl: and darce, 7 15 

Marrying or prodituting, as befel 
Rape or adultery, where pafling fair 
Allur'd them ; thence from cups to civil broils. 
/it length a rev'rend fire among them came^ 
And ot their doings great difllke declared, 729 

Aad teftify'd againft their ways ; he oft 
Frequented their a/Temblies, wherefo met, 
Triumphs or fediirals, and to tliem preached 
Converlion and repentance, as to fouls 
'In prifon under judgements imminent : 72 j 

But all in vain ; which when he faw, he ceas'd 
Contending, and removM his tents far off; 
Then from the mountain hewing timber taU, 
Began to build a veffel of huge bulk : 729 

Meafur'd by cubit, length, and breadth, and height -, 
Smear'd round with pitch ; and in the fide a door 
Contrived ; and of provifions laid in larg« 
For man and bead : when lo, a. wonder ftrange J 
Of e v'ry beaft, and bird, and infc^ fmall 
Came fev'ns, and pairs, and enter'd in, as ta^ght 735 
Their order : bfl the fire, and his three fons, 
With their four wives ; and Goo made fad rji^ door.i^ 
Meanwhile the fouth-wind rofe, and with blagk wings 
Wide hov'ring, all the clonds together drove 
From under Heav'n ; the hills to their fupply 74Q 
Vapour, and exhalation duik and moid. 
Sent up amain ; and now tlie ihicken'd (ky 
Like a dark ceiling dood ; down rulh'd the rain 
Impetuous, and coptinuM, till the earth 
No more was feen ; the floating ve/Fcl fwam 74; 

Uplifted, aiid fecure with beaked prow 
Rode tilting o'er the waves : all dwelling elfe 
Flood overwhelm'd, and them with all their pomp 
Deep under water roU'd ; fea covered fea, 
Sea without (hore ; and in their palaces 73 O 

Where luxury latereign'd, fea-monliers whclp'd 
And ftabl'd ; of mankind, fo numerpus late, 
AH left in one fmall bottom fwam imbark'd. 
HoW did'd thou grieve then, Adam, to behold 
The end of all thy offspring, exid &> bA^ ^\% 

K k t 



t6S PARADISE LOST. BookII. 

Pepopulalion ? th-e another flood, 

or tears and forrow* a flood, thee alfo drownM, 

And funk thee as thy fons ; till gently rear'd 

By th' Angci, on thy feet thoii ftood'ft at laft, 

Though comfortlcfs, as when a father mourns 7fo 

His children, all in view deftroy'd at once ; 

And f :arce to th' Angel uttcr'd thus thy plaint. 

O vifions, ill forcfeen ! better had I 
Liv'd ignorant of future, Co had borne 
My piirt of evil only, each day's lot 765 

Enough to be-ir ; thofe now, that were difpsnsM ' 
The burden of many ages, on me light 
At once, by my foreknowledge gaining birth 
Abortive, to torment me ere their being. 
With thought that they muft be. Let no man feck 77Q 
Henceforth to be foretold what fliall befal 
Him or his children ; evil he may be fure. 
Which neither his foreknowledge can prevent, 
And he the future evil fliall nolefs 
In apprehenfion than in fubftance feel, 775 

Grievous to bear : but that care tiow is paft, 
Man is not whom to warn : thefe few efcap'd 
Famine and anguiih will at laftconfume, 
Wand'ring that wat'ry defert. I had hope, 
When violence was ceas'd, and war on earth, 780 
All would have then gone welL peace would have 
With length of happy days the race of man : [crown'd 
But I was far dcccivM ; for now I fee 
Pe.ice to corrupt no lefs th^n war to wafte. 
How comes it thus ? unfold, celeftial guide, 785 

And whether here the race of man will end. 

To whom thus Michael. Thofe whom laft thou faVft 
In triumph and luxurious wealth, are they 
Firft feen in afls of prowefs eminent. 
And great exploits, but of true virtue void,- 790 

Who haying fpilt much blond, and done much waftc 
Subtiuing nations, and atchiev'd thereby 
fame in the world, high titles, and rich prey, 
Sh.^11 change their courfe to pleafurr, eafe, and floth, 
SurfcM't, and \uft, t.\\\ vj^wtoivtitfe aiwd pride 79J 

Kaife out of £ricT\dftiv]^\io^\\^ ^ct^^ vxi^«jyt. - 



BookXL paradise LOST. S67 

The conquered alfo, and inflav'd by war, 

Shall, with their freedom loft, all virtue lofe, 

And fear of God, from whom their piety feigned 

In fharp contcd of battle found no aid, 80O 

Againft invaders ; therefore coql'd in zeal. 

Thenceforth ihall pradife how to live fccure, 

Worldly or diflblute, on what their \ords 

t>hall leave them to enjoy ; for th' earth (hail bear 

More than enough, that tcmp'rancc may be try'd: 805 

So all fhall turn degenerate, all deprav'd ; 

Juftice and temp'rance, trqth and faith forgot ; 

One man except, the only fon of light 

In a dark age, againft example good, 

Againfl alurement, cuilom, and a world 810 

Offended ; fearlefs of reproach and fcom. 

Or violence, he of their wicked ways 

Shall them admonKh, and before them fet 

The path of righteoufnefs, how much more fafey 

And full of peace, denouncing wrathto come 815 

On tlieir impenitence ; and fhall return 

Of them derided, but of God obferv'd 

The one jufl: man alive ; by his command 

Shall build a wondrous ark, as thou beheld'fl;. 

To fave him'felf and houfehdd from amidft - 820 

A world devote to univcrfal wrack. 

No fooner he with them of man and bead 

Selca for life, (hall in the ark be lodged, 

'And (helter'd round, but all the catara^s 

Ot Heav'n fet open on the earth (hall pour : 8 25 

liain day and night ; all fountains of the deep 

Broke up, (hall heave th' ocean to ufurp ■ 

Beyond all bounds, till inundation riie 

'Above the higheft hilk ;- then (hall thiv mount • 

Of Paradife b/ might of waves be mov'd : 830 

Out of his place, pulh'd by the homftd flood. 

With all his verdure (poil'd, and trees adrift, 

Down the great river to th' opening gulph, 

And there take root* an idand fait and -bare, 

Thehaunt of feals, and ores, and (tamc>ws clang : 835 

To teach thee that God attributes to place 

No &a^it>', if jioac be thitia^i: >iTO^v 



$69 PARA.DISE LOST.. Boos XI, 

• • 

By men who there frequent, or therein dwell. 
And now what further (hall enfue, hehold. 

He lookM, and (kvr the ark hull on the flood, 84A 
Which now abated : for the clouds were fled, 
Driv'n by a keen north wind, that blowing drjr 
Wrinkled tlie face of deluge, as decayed ; 
And the clear fun on his wide wat'ry glafe 
Gaz'd hot, andT>f the frefh wave largely drew, 845 
As after tbirft, which made their flowing flirtnk 
From (landing lake to tripping ebb, that ftole 
With foftpfoot tow'ards the deep, which now had ftopt 
Hts flaices, as the heav'n his window (hut- 
The ark no more now floats, but feems on ground, 850 
Fad on the top of fome high mountain Rx'dp 
And now the tops of hills as rocks appear 5 
With clamour thence the rapid currents drive 
Tow'ards the retreating fea their furious tide. 
Forthwith from out the. ark a raven flies, 85 J 

And after him, the furar meflenger, 
A dove fent forth once and again to fpy 
Green tree or ground whereon his foot may light ; 
The fecond lime returning, in his bill 
An olive leaf he brings, pacific fign : 860 

Anon dry ground appears, and from his ark 
Ihe ancient fire defcenJs with all his train ; 
Then with uplifted bands, and eyes devout. 
Grateful to Heav'n» over his head beholds 
A dewy cloud, and in the cloud a bow, * 865 

Confpicuous, with three lifted colours gay, 
Betok'ning peace from God, and covjnant new. 
Whereat the heart of Adam erft fo fad 
Greatly rejoic'd, and thus bis joy broke forth. 

O thou who future things can'ft reprefent 870 

As prefent, heav'nly in(lru6ior, 1 revive 
At this laft fight, aflur'J that Man ftiall live 
With a-U the creatures, and their feed prcfc»ivc. 
Far lefs I now lament for one whole world 
Of wicked fons deftroy'd, than 1 rejoice 875 

For one man found fo perfc<ft and lo juft, 
T/iat God vouchfafcs to raifc another world 
From him, and ailh'u ari^ei xo iox^*t\. v 



BboK^CL PARADISE LOST. 269 

But fay, what inean thofe colouPd ftreaks in Heav'o, 
Diftendcd as the brow of God appeas'd ? 880 

Or fervc they as a flow'ry verge to bind 
The fluid fkirts of that fame wat'ry cloud, 
Left it again diffolve, and ftiow^r the earth ? 

To whom th* Arch angel. Dextroufly thou aim '(I: 
So vijillingly doth God remit his ire, ^^§ 

'l^ough late repenting him of man deprav'd, 
Griev'd at his heSrt when locking down he faw 
The whole earth fill'd with violence, and all flcfli 
Corrupting each their way ; yet thpfe rcmov'd, 
Such grace fhall one juft man find in his fight, 890 
That he relents, not to blot out mankind. 
And makes a covenant never to deftroy 
The earth again by flood, nor let the fta 
Surpafs his bounds, nor rain to drown the world. 
With man therein or beaft ; but when he brings 2gj 
Over the earth a cloud, while therein fet 
His triple colourM bow, whereon to look. 
And call to mind his covenant : day and night. 
Seed-time and harveft, heat and hoary froft 89^ 

Shajlhold their courfe, till fire pnrge all things new, 
Sotb Heav'n and Earth, wherein the juft (hall dwell. 



End of ths ELErEVTH Boos. 



PARADISE tOSTi 

BOOK xir. 

The Argvmbkt. 

TZt' Angel Michael continues frovt the flood to relate 'tuht 
Jlyall fucceed ; then^ in the fuention of Abraham^ comes 
by degrees to explain nubo that feed of the *wo7nanJhaU 
he^ tvhich msas promifed Adam and Lve in the fall; 
his incarnation^ deaths refurreSlion^ and afcenfion ; the 
/late cfthe church till his feond coviing. Adam great' 
iy fatisfied and recomforted by thefe relations and pro- 
mifesy defends the hillixjiih Michael ; nuakens Eve^ noho 
all this nuhile hadftspty hut nxjith gentle dreams com" 
pofed to quiet nefs of mind and fuhmijpon^ Michael in 
either band lead* them out of Paradife^ thefleryfword 
ivaving behitidthemy and the Cherubim taki/:g their Jla^ 
ticns to guard the place, 

AS one "w ho in his journey baits at noon, [paus'd 
Thongh hent on fpecd : fo here th' Arch-angel 
Jietwixt the world deftroy'd and world reftor'd, 
If Adam ought perhaps might intcrpofe : 
Then with tranfition fweet new fpeech rcfiimes.-'^ 5 

Thus thon haft fcen one world begin and end ; 
And mm as from a fecond ftock proceed ; 
Much thou haft yet to fee ; but i perceive 
Thy mortal fight to fail ; objefts divine 
Muft needs impair and weary human fenfe: 10 

Henceforth what is to come I will relate. 
Thou therefore give due audience, and attend. 
This fecond iburce of men, while yet hut few. 
And while the dread of judgement paft remains 
Frcfh in their minds, fearing the Deiry, i^ 

With fi^me regard to what is juft and right 
Shall lead their lives and mulliply apace ; 



JE^ooniiU. PARADISE LOST. 271 

Lab'ring llic foil, and reaping plenteous crop. 
Corn, wine, and oil, and from the herd or flock 
Oft facrificing bullock, lamb, or kid 20 

With large wine- ofFVings pourM, and facredfeaft, 
Shiill fpend their days in Joy unblam'd, and dwell 
Long time in peace, by families and tribes, 
Vnder paternal rule ; till one (hall rife 
Of proud ambitious heart, who, not content 2$ 

With fair equality, fraternal tafte, 
Will arrogate dominion undeferv'd 
Over his brethren, and quite difpoflefi 
Concord and law of nature from the earth. 
Hunting (and men, not beads, Ihall be his game) 30 
With war and hoftile fnare luch as rcfufc 
Subjedion to his empire tyrannous : 
A mighty hunter thence he fhall be ftyPd 
Before the J^ord, as in defpite of Heav*n, 
Or from Heav'n claiming fecond fov'reignty ; ^j 

And from rebellion fliall derive his name. 
Though of rebellion others he accufe 
he with a crew, whom like ambition joins 
With him, or under him to tyrannize, 
Marching from Eden tow'ards the weft, (hall find 40 
The plain wherein a black bituminous gurge 
Boils oiit from under ground, the mouth of hell : 
Of brick, and of th^t ftu£F, they caft to build 
A city^ and tow'r, whofe top may reach to Heav'n ; 
And get thcmfelves a name ; left far difpers'd 45 
In foreign lands, their memory be loft, 
Regardlefs whether good or evil fanbe.' 
iut Goo, who oft defcends to vifit men 
Unfeen, and through their habitations walks 
To mark their doings, them beholding foon, 50 

Comes down to fee their city, ere the tow'r 
Obftm<5l Hcav'n tow'rs, and in derifion fets 
Upon their tongues a various fp'rit^ to raze 
Quite out their native language, and inftead 
To fow a jangling noife of words unknown, §$ 

Forthwith a hideous gabble rifes load. 
Among the build .rs each to others call 
h'ot underftood till hoarfe. and all in tugti 
LI 



172 PARADISE LOST. Book XIl 

As mocVd thry ftorm ; great laughter was in HeaT'a 
And looking down, to fee the hubbub ftrangc, 60 

And hear tlie din ; thus was the building left 
Kidiculons, and the work confufion nam'd. 

Whtreto ihus Adann fallierly difpleas'd. 
O eiecrablc Ton fo to afpire 

Above his brethren, to himfelf afTiiiDioj^ 65 

Authority ulbrj>*d from God, not giv'n ; 
He gave us only over bead, fifti, fowl, 
X)oniinion ubfolute ; that right we hold 
By his donation : but man over mm 
He made not lord ; fuch title to hinifclf 70 

Refer ving, human left from human free. 
But this ufurper his encroachment proud 
•Srays rot on man ; to God his tow*r intends 
iSiege and defiance. Wretched man ! what food 
Will he convey up hither to fuftain . 75 

HimfelFand bis rafh army, where thin air 
Above the clouds will pine his entrails grof*;. 
And f.imifli him of breath, if not of bread ? 

To whom thus Michael. Juftly thou abhorr'ft 
That fon, >vho on the qniet ftate of men 80 

Such trouble brought, afleding to fubdus 
Rational liberty : yet know wi'haK 
Since thy original lapf«, true liberty 
Is loft, which always with right rcafln dwells 
Twinn'd, and frr.m her h-.th no divi(Hn.il being : 85 
Reafon in man obfrnr'd, or rot obey'd, 
Immediately inordinate dc fires 
And upftart pnfllons catch the g'^vernment 
From reafon, and to f-rvitude reduce 
Man till then free. Therefore, fincc he permits 90 
Within himf.lf ur.'^vorthy pov/rs to reirn 
Ovor free realbn, Gm, in judgement juft, 
Siiljc<5ls him froiti without to violent lords; 
Who oft as undefcrvedjy inlhral 
His outward freedom': tyranny muft be, 55 

Though to the tyrant thereby no excufe. 
Yet fometimes nations will decline fo low 
Fi « mi V i r tu e , vih\cV\ \s t t wtf^xv^ \VvA t^r^ vrror g, 
.B IT t j ■ iftir c, and fciti^ C-^x^l c\xtU wi^^^' ^^ 



JiodiXII. PARADISE LOST. i75 

Deprives them of their outward liberty, i co 

Their inward loll : witnefs th' irreverent fon 

Of him who built the ark, who, for the fhame 

Done to his father, heard this heavy curfe, 

Servant offervants^ on his vicious race. 

Tlius will this latter, as the former world, i o% 

Still tend from bad to worfe, till God at lad, 

Wearied with their iniquities, withdraw 

His prefcilce from among them, and avert 

His holy eyes, refolving from thenceforth 

To leave tliem to their own polluted ways ; i (O 

And one peculiar nation to fele(ft 

From all the reft, of whom to be invoked, 

A nation from one faithful man to fpring : 

Him on this fide Euphrates yet redding. 

Bred up in iJol-worfhip : O that man 1 15 

(Canft thou believe ?) Ihould be lb fiupl J grown. 

While yet the patriarch liv'd, who Tcap'd the flood. 

As to toi fake the living God, and fall 

'Ho worlhip their own work in wood ard (lone 

For gods! yet him God the Mod High vouchfafes 120 

To call by vifion from his Father's houfe, 

His kindred and falfe gods, into a land 

Which he will (hew him, and from him will raife 

A mighty nation, and upon him fhow'r 

His benedidion fo, that in his feed 1 25 

All nations Ihall be blefs'd ; he llraight obeys, 

Not knowing to what land, yet firm believes. 

I fee him, but thou canfl not, with what faith 

He leaves bis gods, his friends, and native foil 

Ur of Chaldaea, pafling now the ford 130 

To Haran, after him a cumbrous train 

Of herds and flocks, and numerous fervitudc ; 

Not wand'ring, poor ; but trufting all his wealth 

With God, wlio call'd him, in a land unknown. 

Can^iiaii he now attains ; 1 fee his tents 1 3^ 

Piich'd about Scchem and the neigh^bouring plain 

( >f Moreh ; there hy promife he receives 

Gilt to his progeny of all that land, 

I'rom tiainath northward to the defert fouth, 

( Things b) tkciraames I caUA^ow^^^OLNxxaasMK^^ 



t7+ PARADISE LOST. Book XIL 

Trom Hermon caft to the great weftorn £ea ; 141 . 

Mount Hermon, yonder fea, each place behold 
In profped, as 1 point them ; oh the (bore 
Mount Carmei ; here the double founted ftream, 
Jordan* true limit eaftward ; but his fons I4; 

Shall dwell to Senir, that long ridge of hills. 
This ponder, that all nations of the earth 
Chall in his (bed be bleffed : by that feed 
Is meant thy great deliverer, who (hall bruife 
The fcrpcnt's head ; whereof to thee anon 15s 

Plainller fhall be revealed. This patriarch blefs'd* 
Whom faithful Abraham due time (hall call» 
A fon, and of his fon a grandchild leaves* 
Like him in faith, in wifdom, and renown. 
The grandchild with twelve fons increased, departs 155 
From Canaan, to a land hereafter call'd 
Egypt, divided by the river Nile i 
Set where it flows, difgorging at (ev*il taonth« . 
Into the fea. To fojourn ia that land 
He comes, invited by a younger fon i6d 

In time of jdearth ; a fon whofe worthy deeds 
Ralfr him to be the fecond in that realm 
Of Pharaoh ; there be dies, and leaves his race 
Growing into a nation, and now grown 
SufpciSed to a fcquent king, who fecks 165 

To ftop their overgrowth, as inmate guefts 
Tno num'roQs ; whence of gnefts he makes them (laves 
Inhofpitably', and kills their infant-males ; 
Till by two brethren (thofc two brethfea call 
Mcfes and Aaron) fent from God to claim 170 

y-ih people from inthralment* they return 
Wih glory' and fpoil back to their promised land. 
But firft the lawlefs tyrant, who denies 
To know their God. or meffage to regard. 
Muft be coAipeird by figns and judgements dire ; ijj 
To blood unihed the rivers muli be tnm'd ; 
Frogs, lice, and flies, muft all his paUce fllj 
With loath'd intrufion, and fill all the land ; 
^ His cattle muft of rot and murrain die ; 
Botches and blains muft all his fleih imbofs iSo 

And all bis people } thunder mijL'd with hail| 



jBootXII. PARADISE LOST. zjs 

Hail mlx'd with fire, muft rend th' Eeyptian flcy. 
And whtf^l on th' earth, devouring where it rolb ; 
What it devours not, herb, or fruit, or grain, 
A darkfome cleud of loculh fwarming down i8; 
'Muft cat, and on the ground leave nothing green ; 
Uarknefs mud oveiili:idow all hi& l)Ounds, 
Palpable daiknefs ;' and blot out three days j 
Litft, witii one midnight- Aroke, all the firft bom 
Of Egypt mulHic dead, ihus vinth tenwoonds 190 
'I lie river dragon tam*d at length fubmits 
To let his fojourners depart, and oft 
Humbles his ftubborn heart ; but ftiU as ice 
More hardened after thaw ; till in his rage 
turfuing whom he late difmifs'd, the lea jg& 

Swallows him with his hod ; but them lets paft 
As on dry land betw^h two cryftal walls, 
AwM by the rod of Mofesfo to ftand 
Divided, till his refcu'd gain their fhorc ; 
Such wond'rous pow*r Gob to his iaint will lend, ico 
' 1'hough prpfent in his Angel, who fhall go 
Before them ina cloud, and pill'ar of fire. 
By day a cloud, by night a pill'ar- of fire, 
To guide thfin in their journey, and remove 
Behind them, while th* obdurate king purfues ; 20^ 
All night he will purfue ; but his approach 
Darknefs defends between till morning watch ; 
Then through the fiery pillar and the cloud 
God locking forth will trouble all his hoft. 
And craze disir chariot- wheels ; when by command 
Mofes once more his potent rod extends - 211 

Over the fea ; the fea his rod obeys i 
On their embattled ranks the waves return, 
And overwhelm thtir war rherace elcdl 
Safe towards Canaan, from the fhoi-e advance 215 
Through the wild defer t, not the readieft way, 
Left entering on the Canaanite alarmed, 
War terrify them« inexpert, and fear 
Return them back to' Egypt, chafnag rather 
Inglorious life with fervitude ? for aft * - • 224) 
To noble and ignoble is more fweet r- 

UntraiA'd ia wiaSf whzit xsSkacb lead not 'csL < 



^-6 PARADISE LOSf. Booe Xlt 

This alfo (hall they gaia by their delay . 
In the wild wildernel's ; there they fhall found 
Their goverain:at, and their great fenate chufe 225 
Through the twglve tribes, to rule by laws ord^in'd. 
God from the mouTit of Sinai, whofe grey top 
J>hiill tremble, he defcending, will himfelf 
la thunder, lightning, and loud trumpets founds 
Ordjin them laws ; p.irt fuch as appcrtaia 330 

To civil jullice, part religious rites 
Of facriricc, informing them, by types 
And ihadows of that deftin'd f^ed to bruife 
The ferpent, by what means h^ ihall atchieve 
Mankind's deliv'rance. But the voice of God 235 
To mortal car is dreadful ; they bcfeech 
That Mofes might report to them his will. 
And terror ceale ; he grants what they befought, 
InilruAed that to God is no accefs 
Without Mediator, whofe high office now 240 

Mofes in figure bears', to introduce 
One greater, of whofe day he fhall Torctel, 
And all the prophets in tlieir age the times 
Of great Mefli'ah fhall fmg. Thus laws and rites 
Lftabliih'd, fuch delight hath God in men 245 

Obedient to his will, that he vouchfdfes 
Among them to fet up his tabernacle, 
The holy One wiih mortal men to dwelL 
By his prefcript a fauiftuary. is fram'd 
Of cedar, overlaid with gold ; therein 250 

An ark, and in the ark his tcftimony, 
7^he records of his cov'nant ; over thefe 
A mercy feat of gold between che wings 
Of two bright cherubim ; before him burn 
Sev'n lamps, as in a zo^iiac reprefenting zTc 

fhc heav'niy fires ; over the tent a cloud 
Shall reft by day, a fisry gleam by night, 
S ive when tlicy journey, and at length thcjr come. 
Conduced by his Angel, to the land 
lVon)is'd to Abraliam and his feed. The reft 2O0 
yfcrc long to tell, how many battles fouv^ht, 
liow many kings dcllroy'd, and kingdoms won ; 
,Oi' bow tJic fua lUdl iu mU \lc:A.V\\^^'tv^^\L 



Book XXL PARADISE LOST 177 

A day entire, and night's due couife adjourn, 

Man's voice commanding, fun in Gibeon ftand 265 

And thou moon in the vale of Ajalon, 

Till Ifr'el overcome : fo call the th«rd 

From Abraham, fon of Ifaac, and from him 

His whole defccnt, who thus fhall Canaan win. 

Here Adam inlerpos'd. O fent from Heav'n, 270 
Enlight'ner of my darknefs, gracious things 
Thou haft reveal'd, thofc rhif fly which concern 
Juft Abraham and his feed : now firft I find 
Mine eyes true op'ning, and my heart much eas'd, 
Erewhlle perplex'd with thoughts what woiild become 
Of me and all mankind ; hut now I fee 276 

His day, in whom all nations fh ill be blcfs'd^ 
Favour unmerited l)y me, who fought 
Forbidden knowledge by forbidden means. 
Tliis yet I apprehend not, why to thofe 280 

Among whom God will deign to dwell on earth. 
So many and fo various laws are giv'n ; 
So many laws argue fo many fins 
Among them ; how can God with fuch refide ? 

To whom thus Michael. Doubt not but tliat Hn 285 
Will reign among them, as of tliee begot ; 
And therefore was law giv'n them to evir.ce 
Their natural pravify, by ftnring up 
Sin againft law to fight : that when they fee 
Law can dif*:over fir, but not remove, 2^0 

Save by thofe Ihadowy expiations weak. 
The blood of bulls and goats, they may conclude 
Some blood more precious muft be paid {:>t man, 
Juft for unjuft ; that in fuch righteoufnefs 
To them by faith imputed, they may find I55 

Juftlfication towards God, and peace 
Of ccnfcicnce ; which the law by ceremonies 
Cannot appenfe, nor mnn the moral part 
Perform, and not performing cannot live. 
80 law appears imperfect, and but given too 

With purpofe to refign them in full time 
Up to a better covenant, difciph'n'd 
From fhadowy types to truth, frorn flefh to fp'rlt. 
From coirpofition of ftrift Vaws \o fc.^4 



f7t PARADISE LOST. Boa k XII 

Acceptance of large grace, from fervHe fear 30^ 

To filial, works nt law to works of faith. 
And therefore (hnll not Mofes. though of God 
Highly bdovM, heing but the Miniftcr 
Of law» his people into Canaan lead ; 
B^it Joflina, whom the Gentiles Jefiis call, 3 id 

His name and office bearing, wlio ihall quell 
The adverfary ferpent, and bring back 
Through the world*» wildernefs long wandered man 
Safe to eternal Paradife of reft. 

Mean while they in their earthly Canaan placed, 315 
Long time (hall dwell and profper ; but when fins 
National interrupt their piihlic peace. 
Provoking God to raife them enemies ; 
From whom as oft hi faves them penitent 
By judges firft, then under kings ; of whom 320 

The fee ond, both for piety renownM 
And puifTant deeds, a promife (hall receive 
Irrevocable, that his regal throne 
For ever (hall endure ; the like fhall fmg 
All prophecy, that of the royal flock 325 

Of David (fo I name this king ) fliall rife 
A Son, the woman's feed to thee foretold, 
Foretold to Abraham, and in whom fnall truft 
All nations, and to kings fnretold» of kings 
The laft ; for cf his reign (liaU be no end. 3 30 

But firft a long fucceflion mnft enfne ; 
And his next fon, for wealth and wifdom fam'd. 
The clouded ark of God, till then in tents 
' '\7and*ring, (hall in a glorious temple' infhrinc. 
Such follow him as fhall be regiller'd, 33J 

Part good, part bad, of bad the lor.gcr fcroll ; 
Whofe foul idolatries and other faults 
He.jp'd to the popular fum, will fo incenfe 
Gr^D, as to leave them, and exoofe their land, 
Tlieir city', his temple, and his holy ark, 340 

Wiuh all his facred things, a f:orn and prey 
To that proud city, whofe high walls thou faw'ft 
Left in confufion, U.iSylon thence call'd. 
There in captivity he \els \.\\«;Tt\ dx^tll 
The fpsLce of Icv'nty yeaTb,xhtiiVv^^^^l\t.TTw\i^.e5.^-i,i^^ 



BookXIL paradise LOST. ^79 

Rememb'ring mercy, and his covenant fworn 

To David. 'Itablifh'd as the days of Heav'n. 

Returned from Babylon by leave of kings 

Iheir lords, whom God difpos'd, the houTe of God 

They firft re-edify, and for a while 350 

In mean eftate live moderate, till grown 

In wealth and multitude, fa(aious they grow; 

But firft among the priefts diflenfion fprings. 

Men who attend the altar^ and fhould mod 

llndcavcur peace : their flrife pollution brings 3 j^ 

Upon the temple itfelf : at laft they fcizc ^ 

The fceptre, and regard not David's fons; 

Then lofe it to a ftranger, that the true 

Anointed king MeOdali inight be born 

Barr'd of his right; y?t at his birtlx a ftar, 369 

Unfeen before in heav'n, proclaims him come. 

And guides the eafcern iages, who inquire 

His place to offer incenfe, myrrh, and gold : 

His place of birth a folenmi Angel tells 

To fimple fhepherds, keeping watch by night } 365 

They gladly thither hafte, and by a quire 

Of quadron'd Angels hear his carol fung, 

A virgin is his mother, but his fire .. 

The pow'r of the Moft High ; he fhall afcend 

The throne hereditary, and bound his reign 376 

With earth's wide bounds, his glory with the Heav'ns, 

He ceas'd, difceming Adam with fuch joy 
Surcharged, as had like grief been deWd m tears. 
Without the vent of words, which thefe he breath'd. 

O prophet of glad tidings, finifher 3 7 j 

Of utmoft hope ! now clear 1 underftand 
What oft my fteadieft thoughts have fearch'd in vain ; 
Why our great expeftation fhould be call'd 
The feed of woman : Virgin mother hail ! 
High in the love of Heav*n ; yet from my loins 380 
Thou (halt proceed, and from thy womb the Son 
Of Gon moft high ; fo God with man unites. 
Needs muft the ferpent now his capital bruife 
Expe^ with mortal pain : fay, where and when. 73 84 
Their fight, what ftroke fhall bruife the vidor's heel? 

To whom thus Michael. Dream tkox ^^ ^€a ^^w^ 
M in 



480 PARADISE LOST. Book XII, 

As of a duel, or the local wounds 

Of head or heel : not therefore joins tjie Son 

Manhead to Godhead, with more ftrength to foil 

Tliy enemy : nor fo is overcome 390 

Satan, whofe fall from Heav'n, a deadlier bruifc, 

Difabled not to give thee thy death's wound': 

Which he, who comes thy Saviour, (hall recure. 

Not by deftroying Satan, but his worlds 

In thee and in thy feed : nor can this be, 395 

But by fulfilling thr.t which thou did'ft want, 

ObedieT\j:e to the law of Goo, impos'd 

On penalty of death, and fuff'ring death. 

The penalty to thy tranfgreflioirdue, 

And due to theirs which out of thine will grow : 400 

So only can high juUice reft appaid 

'I'he law of God exaft he (hall fulfil 

Both by obedience and by love, though love 

Alone fulfil tlic law ; thy puniihment 

He (hall endure by coming in the fle(h 405 

To a reproachful life arid curfed death. 

Proclaiming life to all who (hall believe 

In his redemption, and that his obedience 

Imputed becomes theirs by faith, his obedience 

To favc them, not their own. though legal works. 410 

For tliis he fliall live hated, be blafphem'd, 

SeizM on by force, judg'd, and to death condemn'd, 

A (hameful andaccnrs'd ; nail'd to the crols 

By his ov/n nation ; (lain for bringing life ; 

But to the crofs he nails thy enemies, 41J 

'J he law that is againft thee, and the fins 

Of all mankind, with him there crucifi'd, 

Never to hurt them more who rightly truft 

In this fatisfa<5tion. So he dies, 

But foon revives ; death over him no pow'r 420 

Shall long ufurp ; ere the third dawning light 

lletnm, the ftars of morn (hall fee him rife 

Out of his grave, frefh as tlie dawning light, 

'^rhy ranfom paid, which man from deatli redeems. 

His death for man, as many as ofFer'd life 425 

Neglefl not, and the benefit embrace 

i^y faith not void of works. This God-}iJc? ^ 



BookXII. paradise lost. 281 

Annuls thy doom, the death thou {h;>uld'ft have dy'd, 

In (in for ever loft from life ; this a<ft 

Shall bruife the head of Satan, crulhhis flrenr»th, 430 

Defeating Sin and Death, his two main arras ; 

And fix far deeper in his head their ftings. 

Than tcmp'ral death Ihall bruife the victor's heel. 

Or theirs whom he redeems, a death like ileep, 

A gentle wafting to immortal life ; "435 

Nor after refurtedtion (hall he ftay 

Longer on earth than certain times t* appear 

To his difciples, men who in his life 

ijtiU folio w'd him ; to them Ihall leave in charge 

To teach all nations what of him they learn'd, 449 

And his falvation them who fhall believe 

Baptizing in the profluent ftream, the Cgn 

Of wafhing them from guilt of Cm to Jifc 

Pure, and in mind prepar'd, if fo befiil, 

Por death, like that which the Redeemer dy'd, 445 

All nations they Iball teach : for from that day 

Not only to the fons of Abraham's loins 

Salvation Ihall he prcachM, but to the fons 

Of Abraham's faith wherever through the world ; 

So in his feed all nations (hall be blefs'J. 450 

Then to the Heav'n of Heav'ns he (h.dl afcend 

With vidlory, triumphing through the air 

Over his foes and thine ; there (hall farprife 

The ferpent, prince of air, and drag in chains 

i'hrough all his realm, and there confounded' leave 5 

I'hen enter into glory, and tefume 45^ 

His feat at God's right hand, exalted high 

Above air names in Heav'n ; and thence (hall come, 

\Vhen this world's di(rolution (hall he ripe. 

With glory' and pow'r to judge both quick and dead ; 

To judge th' unf;j!lhful dead, but to reward 461 

His faithi'id, and receive thc;m into blifs, 

Whether in Hcav'n or Eardi ; for then the earth 

Shall all be Paradife, far happier place 

Than this of Edoii, and far hippier days. 465 

So fpake th' Arch- angel Michael, then paused. 
As at the world's great period ; and our (ire, 
Replete with jiy and wonder, thus reply 'd. 
M m 2 



ih PARADISE LOST. Bbox XlL 

O goodnefs itiF.ntte, GoodDefs immeofie ! 
That all this good of evil (hall produce, 47* 

And evil turn to good ; more wonderful 
Than that which by creationiirft brought forth 
Light out of darknefs I Full of doubt I (land» 
Whorher 1 (hould repent me now of fm 
By me done ^nd occafion'd, or rejoice 47^ 

J^luch more, that much more good thereof ihallfpring f 
To God more gli^rjr, more good-wiU to men 
From God, and over wrath grace (hall abound ; 
But (ay, if our Deli v'rer up to Heav'n 
Muft rcafcend, what will betide the few 4S0 

His faithful, left among th* unfaithful herd. 
The enemies of trutli ? who then iball guidfc 
His people, who defend ? will they not deal 
Worfe with his foll'wcrs than with him they dealt ? 

Be fure they will, faid th' Angel ; but from Heav'A 
He to his own a Comforter will fend, 486 

The promife of the Father, who fhall dwell 
His Sp'rit within them^ and the law of faith 
Working through love, upon their hearts (hall write, 
To guide them in all truth, and alfo arm 490 

With fpiritual armour, able to refift 
{Satan's aifaults ; and quench his fiery darts. 
What man can do againft them, not afraid. 
Though to the death againft fuch cruelties 
With inward confolalion recompcns'd, 49^ 

And oft fupported fo as fhall amaze 
Their proudeft perfecutors : for the Spirit 
Pour'd firft on his Apoftles, whom he fends 
T' evangelize the nations, then on all 
Baptiz'd, fball them with wondVous gifts endue, 50O 
To fpeak all tongues, and do all miracles, 
As did their Lord before them. Thus they win 
Great numbers of each nation to receive 
With joy the tidings brought from Heav'n : at length, 
Their miniilry pcrform*d, and race well run, 305 
Their dodrine and their ftory writttn left. 
They die. But in their room, as they forewarn, 
V/clves (liall fucceed for teachers, grievous wolve% 
Vs'Lo all the ficrcd myfterics of Heav'o 



^ookXIL paradise lost. a8j 

To their own vile advantages ihatf turn 5 1 • 

Of lucre and ambition, and the truth 

With fupcrDLiiions and traditions taipC, 

Left only in thofe written records pure. 

Though not but by the Spirit underliood. . 

Then (hall they feek t' avail themfelyes of namesp 515 

places, and titles, and with thefe to join 

Secubr pow'r, though feigning ft ill to aft 

By fpirirual, to tliemfelves appropriating 

The SpVit of God, promis'd alike and giv^ii 

To all believers ; and from that pretence '' 52J> 

Spiritual laws by carnnl pow'r (hall force 

On ev'ry confcience ; laws which none fhall find 

l-.eft them inroli'd, or what the Sp'rit within 

Shall on the heart engrave. What will they then 

But force the Sp'ric of grace itfelf, and bind 525 

His confort liberty ? what but unbuild 

His living temples, but liuilt by faith to dand» 

Their own faiih not another's ? for on earth 

Who againft faith and ccmfcience can be heard 

Infallible ? yet many will prcfume : 53^ 

Whence heavy perfecution fhall arifc 

On all who in the worihip perfevere 

Of fp'rit and truth ; the reft, fiir greater p^t. 

Will deem in outward rites and fpecions forms 

Religion fatisfy'd; truth (hall retire 535 

Beftuck with dandVous darts, and works of faith 

Rarely be found : fo fhall the world go 00, 

To good malignant, to bad men benign, 

Un Jcr her own weight groaning, till the day 

Appear of refpiration to thejuft, 540 

And vengeance to the wicked, at return 

Of him fo lately promised to thy aid, ^ 

The woman's feed, obfcurely then foretold, 

Now amplier known thy Saviour and thy LorDi 

Lad in the clouds from Heav'n to be reveal' J 545 

In glory of the Father, to dilTolve 

Satan with his perverted World, then raife 

prom the conflagrant mafs purg'd and refin'd,. 

New Heav'ns, new earth, ages of cndlefs date 

Pounded in righteoulocisf atid pquce^ and lovei 550 



iS4 PARADISE LOST. Book XlL 

To bring forth fruits, J07 and eternal blifs. 

He ended ; and thus Adam laft repljr'd. 
How foon hath thy predi(5tion» Seer bkfs'd, 
Meafur'd this tranlient world, the race of timCy 
Till time (land fix'd ? lieyond is all abyfs 555 

Kternity, whofe end no eye can reach ; 
Greatly inflrudcd 1 ihall hence depart, -• 
Greatly in peace of thought, and have my fill 
Of knowledge, what this veifel can contain | 
Beyond which was my folly to afpire. ^6^ 

Henceforth I learn, that to obey is beft. 
And love with fear the only God, to walk 
As in his prefencc, ever to obferve 
His providence, and on him fole depend^ 
Merciful over all his works, with good £6§ 

Still overcoming evil, and by fmall 
Accomplishing great things, by things deeni'd weak 
Subverting worldly ftrong and worldly wife 
By fimply meek ; that fiiff 'ring for truth's fake 
Is fortitude to higheft viAory, jyo 

And to the faitliful, death the gate of life ; 
Taught this by his example whom I now 
Acknowledge my Redeemer ever blefs'd. 

To whom thus alfo th' Angel lall reply'd, 
This havlnnr learn'd, thou h.iit attain'd, the fum 575 
Of wifdoni ; hope nohigh'er, though all the liirs 
I'hou know 'ft by name, and all th' ethereal pow'rs, 
All fecrets of the deep, all Nature's works. 
Or works of God in Heav'n, air, e.irth, or fea. 
And all the riches of this worlJ er.joy'cl'ft, j8o 

And all the rule, one empire ; only aJd 
Deeds to thy knowledge anfa^erable, add falth> 
Add virtue, patience, temperance, add love. 
By name to come call'd charity, the foul 
Of all the reft : then wilt thou not be loath c Sj 

To leave this Paradife, but i\\i\t pofl'efs 
A Paradife within thee, happier far ; 
JLet us defcerd now therefore from this top 
Of fpeculation ; for the hour precife 
Exn6ts pur parting hewce ; and fee the guards, 590 



Book XII. PARADISE LOST. jSj 

Their motion, at whofe frotit a flaming fword. 

In fjgnal of remove, wave fiercely round ; 

We may no longer ftay : go, waken Eve ; 

Her alfo I with gentle dreams have calm'd 595 

Portending good, and all her fp'rits composed 

To meek fiibmiflion : tliou at fcafon fit 

Let her with thee partake what thou haft heard,' 

Chiefly what may concern her faith to know. 

The great deliverance by her feed to come 6co 

(For by the woman's feed) on all mankind:. 

That ye may live, which will he many days. 

Both in one faith unanimous though fad, 

With caufe for evils pait, yet much more cheated 

With meditation on the happy end. 6( 5 

He ended ; and they both defccnd the hiD ;. 
Defcended, Adam to the bow'r where live 
Lay fleeping ran before, but found her wakM ; 
And thus wi:h words not fad ihe him receWM. 

Whence thou return'fti and whither went'ft, Iknow ; 
For God is alfo' in fleep, and dreams advlfe, 61 1 

Which he hath fcnt propitious fome great good 
Prefaging, fince with forrow' and heart's diilrefs 
Wearied I fell afleep ; but now lead on ; 
In me is no delay ; with thee to go, 615 

Is to ftay here ; without thee here to ftay. 
Is to go hence unwilling ; thou to me 
Art all things under Heav'n, all places tJiott, 
Who for ray wilful crime art banifh'd hence. 
This further confolation yet fecure 620 

I .carry hence ; though ail by me is loft. 
Such favour I unworthy am vouchfaPd, 
By me the promised feed (hall all reftore. 

So fpake our mother Jive; and Adam heard 
Well pleas'd, but anfwer'd not ; for now too nigh 625 
Th' Arch angel ftood, and from the other hiil 
To their fix'd ftation, all in bright array, 
The Cherubim defcended ; on the ground > 
Gliding metcorous, as ev'ning-mift 
Ris'n from a river o'er the marifii glides, 6^9 

Aad gathers ground fdik at thckb'rei'* bed 



tie PARADISE LOST. Book Xlt 

HoxncTvard retnming. High in front advanced. 

The brandffh'd fword of God before thenal blaz'd 

Fierce as a comet ; which with torrid hcs^t, 

And vapour as the Lybian air aduft, 6^j 

Began to parch that temp'rate clime ; whereat 

In cither hand the haft*ning Aflgcl caught 

Our lingVing parents, and to th* eaftem gate 

Led thena direct, and down the cliff as fad 

To the fubjedled plain ; then difappear'd. 640 

Then looking back, all th' eaftem fide beheld 

Of Paradife, fo late their happy feat, 

Wav'd over by that flaming brand, the gate 

With dreaKlful feces thrpng'd and fiery nrms : 

Some natural tears they dropt, but wip'd them foon ; 

The world was all before th?m, vhere to choofe 646 

Their place of reft, and Providence their guide : 

They hand in hand, with wandVing fteps .^nd flow, 

Through Eden took their folitary way. 



FINIS. 



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